Treasures of Jordan

Upon arrival to Queen Alia international airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative who will be waiting for you with a sign under your names to complete all airport procedures, then the driver / guide to pick you up from the Airport to your hotel in Amman.

The Desert Castles (Qasr Amra, Qasr Al Kharraneh, and Qasr Al Azraq) The castles were built between the 7th and the 8th century under the Caliphs of the Umayyad who made Damascus their new capital in 661. The majority of the castles lie on the ancient trade route towards Medina and Kufa. Jordan’s desert castles are beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture. Their fine mosaics and frescoes, stone and stucco carvings inspired by the best Persian and Greco architecture – Roman traditions. Called castles because of their imposing statue, the desert complexes actually served various purposes such as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centers, resort pavilions and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins Amman is the capital and most populated city of Jordan. It is a blend of ancient and modern architecture that was originally built on seven hills over the citadel. It is located on one of the tallest hills giving it a splendid view of the old city. Amman is a fascinating city of contrast - a unique blend of old and new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan valley. You will start your tour from the city center - the oldest part of Amman, which is crowned by the citadel with a charming panoramic view of the whole city. You can also see the ancient ruins of the Hercules’ temple which dates back to (161-120), the Byzantine church, the Omayyad palace and the fascinating archaeological museum - it includes an amazing collection of Jordan's antiquities. At the foot of the Citadel there's is the Roman Theater built in the 2nd century, which is still used for cultural events till now. Finally, go through Abdoun, the contemporary area that has some of the best modern architecture.

Jerash (Gerasa), is without doubt one of the most beautiful Roman cities preserved in the Near East, the city of 1000 pillars. After Petra, Jerash is the second largest tourist destination in Jordan. The ancient city of Jerash can proudly situate the beginning of its occupation by men to more than 6500 years. Conquered by General Pompey in the year 63 BC, it passed under Roman control and became one of the ten great Roman cities composing the Confederation of Decapolis. Our local guide will introduce you to his colonnades, temples, theaters, churches, cardo-maxims and other monuments. Lunch at Beit Khairat Souf at Jerash is included: At Beit Khayrat, you will be able to participate in the preparation of local dishes such as maqluba, musakhan (using locally grown sumac), mansaf, and kabsa as well. Do you feel energetic before eating your meal? Then take a quick hike in the mountains, which will provide you with a background on the Souf region. The trip can be as short or long as you wish, including time to rest with a cup of aromatic tea boiled over a wood fire. You'll see some of the last remaining pine and oak forests and perhaps some small wildlife, all of which are native to the area's trees and animals. If your visit to Beit Khayrat Souf coincides with the olive picking season, you will have the opportunity to pick almost ripe olives and take them to the olive press. Another seasonal activity; It is harvesting citrus fruits and making jam. All you have to do is choose your favorite citrus fruits and learn how to make delicious jam. Khayrat Souf House is managed by a group of women, and there are more than 25 women employees from the region. All of them have adopted a policy of environmental responsibility, where no food is wasted. All leftover meals are shared with the less fortunate, and even leftover food is given to the neighborhood animals. Ajloun is a 12th-century Muslim castle situated in the Northwest of Jordan. Located 75 km away from Amman, about an hour and a half drive. It was named after a Christian monk who lived on the mountain in the Byzantine Period. The castle stands on the ruins of a monastery, traces of which were discovered during archaeological excavations. It is believed that the castle controlled traffic along the road connecting Damascus and Egypt. Many areas of the castle can be explored, there is also a museum exhibition inside with many interesting artifacts from various time periods of the region. You can also admire the panoramic view over the Jordan Valley from the top of the castle.

Gadara was a fort city set on a hill and the ruins are still surrounded by the ancient walls, crumbled and part submerged in places.It is a hilltop site with grand views over Lake Tiberias, the Yarmouk River and the Golan Heights. It is mainly associated with the story of Jesus casting out demons and sending them into a herd of pigs which rushed down a steep slope and drowned in the lake. Segments of a temple and basilica, two amphitheatres, a bathhouse, a hippodrome and other important buildings have survived along with a section of paved road, complete with chariot wheel grooves. Gadara was noted for its rich intellectual life and as the birthplace of several famous philosophers and poets of the ancient world like the Cynic philosopher Menippus. It was the home of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of a rhetorical school in Rome, and was once called “a new Athens” by a poet. Lunch with a Jordanian family at um Qais is included. Lunch with a Jordanian family to learn about popular Jordanian cuisine and customs. You can participate in preparing food. You can spend two hours talking with the family about Jordanian life in general. Located approximately 81 km from Amman, about 1 hour and 40 min drive. With a history extending back into the Bronze Age, Pella is a site favored by archaeologists as it is exceptionally rich in antiquities as well as the excavated ruins from Graeco; Roman period, including the Odeon theatre. It also offers visitors the opportunity to see the remains of a Chalcolithic settlement from the 4th millennium BC, the remains of Bronze and Iron Age walled cities, Byzantine churches and houses, Early Islamic residential quarters, and a small medieval mosque.    

Al-Salt is an ancient agricultural town in west-central Jordan.It was once known as the most important settlement in the area between the Jordan valley and the eastern desert as it used to be an important trading link between the eastern and west desert. Until the early 1920s Al-Salt was the only town of any real significance in Jordan. There are many places to visit like the Jordan Archaeological Museum, Jordan Folklore Museum, Jordan Museum of Popular Traditions, Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Haya Centre, Martyr's Memorial, and the military museum. The area is generally known for Qasr Al-Abd (Palace of the Slave), an impressive and unique building which dates from the first quarter of the second century BC. During the Greek Macedonian occupation, Iraq l E-Amir was known as Tyros. The area has many springs, and famous for its olive trees as well as other forest trees. Also you will visit Iraq El Amir Ladies Association, which is managed by members composed of girls from Iraq El-Amir area. There are many women from the villages that do many craft professions and products that are hand-made such as: - Weaving rugs, Soap products, Porcelain and ceramics, and cooking. Lunch at Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative is included.   Iraq Al-Amir was established by Noor Al-Hussein Foundation (NHF) in 1993. Rich in historical sites dating back to the Hellenistic era, the region is also famous for its many springs which turned the valley into a green garden that has become an important tourist attraction. Iraq Al-Amir Women Cooperative Society has provided training projects for more than (150) women from all villages of Wadi Seer on various handicrafts and it is managed and run by women. The Handicrafts Village which is considered a major part of the Society was established in 2001 for the purpose of conserving the region’s environment and preserving its unique architectural heritage. It also helps in developing craft-making skills to the local women and girls, and gives them a better chance of finding a job and contributing to their society.  

Mount Nebo is located about 47 km from Amman and 10km from Madaba. It is believed to be the place where Moses lived out his remaining days and viewed as the Promised Land. The first church in Mount Nebo was built at the end of the 4th century AD and mark its historical importance in the area. From a platform in front of the church, you can see a bronze memorial of a snake on a cross that symbolizes the serpent raised by Moses in the desert, as well as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Mount Nebo offers a fantastic view of the Dead Sea, the West Bank, Jericho, the Jordan River, and on a clear day Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Madaba is a small town in central Jordan located 33 km south of the capital Amman. It was an important early Christian station on the pilgrim’s route from Jerusalem to Mount Nebo via the Jordan River. This city is a gift among of many churches which are decorated with mosaics, hence its name came from "City of the Mosaic". It is now inhabited by Christians and Muslims a like, an example for religious tolerance between Christians & Muslims in Jordan. In addition to this it is also known as the location of the "Madaba Map" at St. George Churches, which were built in the 6th century showing depiction of Jerusalem and parts of the Holy Land. Mosaic class & lunch in Madaba is included. Welcome to Madaba, the "City of Mosaics" located in Jordan! Get ready to be captivated by the rich and intricate mosaic art that adorns this ancient city, and embark on a truly unique and mesmerizing experience of exploring the world of mosaics. One of the must-visit activities in Madaba is immersing yourself in the art of mosaic making through a hands-on experience. As a description writer, let me paint a vivid picture of what you can expect during your mosaic experience in Madaba. The Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" (Al-Maghtas). It is considered to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Bethany is home to two main sites, the remnants of a monastery on a mound known as Jabal Mar-Elias as well as an area close to the river with remains of churches, baptism ponds and pilgrim and hermit dwellings. You can also see the eleven Byzantine churches, five baptismal pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods, caves of monks and hermits, lodges for pilgrims and in addition to all this a wealth of medieval accounts of pilgrims and travelers to the area. Dead Sea waters have been known by many for centuries to be the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exists. Peculiar sun radiation and climatic conditions, enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt, thermo-mineral springs, and mineral-rich mud all offer effective medical treatment and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world. You will spend an amazing time with sunbathing, swimming and dining, as well as enjoy a strange but delightful experience: "float on the surface of the waters", the high buoyancy is due to the salt content being nine times higher than that of ordinary seawater.

It is an ancient site that is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Also, the site has been associated with the biblical settlement of Mepham mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. The rectangular walled city is mostly in ruins but still include several buildings, as well as four churches and some beautiful stone arches. The main attraction is outside the city walls within the Church of St. Stephen, which contains a very large, perfectly preserved mosaic floor laid down in 718 ADS, it's considered the most important discovery in the site. It also portrays fifteen major cities of the Holy Land from both east and west of the River of Jordan. Whether you approach Karak from the ancient Kings Highway to the east or from the Dead Sea to the west, the striking silhouette of this fortified town and castle will instantly make you understand why the fates of kings and nations were decided here for millennia. The town is built on a triangular plateau, with the castle at its narrow southern tip. The castle is some 220m long, 125m wide at the north end, and 40m wide at the southern end where a narrow valley deepened by a ditch separates it from the adjoining and much higher hill – once Saladin's favourite artillery position. Throughout the castle, dark and roughly-shaped crusader masonry is easy to discern from the finely-crafted blocks of lighter and softer limestone used in later Arab work.  

Dana Biosphere Reserve is an area of staggering beauty, history, and biodiversity. The only reserve in Jordan that encompasses the four different bio-geographical zones of the country (Mediterranean, Iran-Turanian, Sahara-Arabian, and Sudanian), it is a melting pot of species from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Such a combination of natural communities in a single area is unique in Jordan and many of Dana Biosphere Reserve’s animals and plants are very rare. So far, a total of 800 plant species and 449 animal species have been recorded in the Reserve, of which 25 are known to be endangered, including the Sand Cat, the Syrian Wolf,and  the Lesser Kestrel. Shawbak Castle is located in a town called Shawbak, It is located less than an hour drive from Petra.It was built during the age of the crusaders 894 years ago. Shobak castle appears as a natural extension of the hill it is built on. The castle was strategically important due to the fact that it also dominated the main passage from Egypt to Syria. It successfully resisted a number of sieges until it fell to Saladin's troops in 1189. Little remains of the original crusader fortifications. It has never been fully excavated and is currently being investigated by an Italian archaeological team from the University of Florence. You can also go through the secret tunnel leading from the castle itself to a nearby hill. Al Beidha better known as Little Petra. You enter the site through a narrow gorge called Siq Al-Barid, the "cold Siq". The name refers to the circumstance that the high walls prevent sunlight from entering the canyon and warming it. The Siq is 350 meters long with three wider areas inside. It is believed that Little Petra was an important suburb of Petra, the entry and exit point for the trade routes to the north and north-west. Here the caravans from the Negev, Gaza, Jerusalem, Egypt and the Mediterranean coast arrived, had a rest and engaged in trade. Like in Petra buildings had been carved into the sandstone, used as residences, storages and tombs along with water channels and cisterns. In one of the buildings you can find the remains of painted frescoes with birds, grapes and flowers, dating from the 1st century AD.    

Petra the world wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is without a doubt Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago. Their presence turned it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.you will visit the unique "Rose-Red" city of Petra, built by the Arab Nabatean’s who hewed their monumental tombs, palaces, temples and treasury from the desert rock’s sandstone in its’ natural hues of rose and gold. You will begin the trip on horseback for 700m till the entrance of the impressive narrow gorge (Siq) that leads marvelously to the magical moment. There you can glimpse the Treasury, continue to the street of facades, the Royal Tombs, the Cardo, Temples, Churches and Museums.   Nabatian traditional lunch in petra is included. Lunch with a Nabataean Bedouin family (M. Omar) / a Nabataean woman who has experience in preparing traditional Bedouin dishes. Lunch will be in one of the caves inside the Petra archaeological site, where one of the caves will be prepared for lunch. Petra By Night Complete your Petra experience with a visit of Petra Night Show, this event is a magical way to see part of the rock city by candlelight and explore the old city, which has become a world wonder, incomparable experience starts by walking the entire Siq to the Treasury, lit with over 1,500 candles to bring the major attraction due to the spectacular view it has. Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, starts at 20:30 from Petra Visitor Centre and delivers you back by licensed guide to the Visitor Centre around 22.30pm.  

Wadi Rum is the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes, it's also known as the "Valley of the moon". You can explore the desert with a 4x4 SUV, as well as excellent opportunities for unusual treks to discover the desert on foot. Our team will take you down virtually to unexplored canyons where ancient Thamudic inscriptions and drawings can be seen carved into the rocks, and Nabataean steps can be found leading to higher places. Also to be discovered are Lawrence’s Well, a Nabataean temple, desert oasis, and amazing rock bridges. Everywhere you look, breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of deep tranquillity. This is a stupendous, timeless place. Virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. The weather and winds carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and God-like..." Jeep tour for 3 hours and camel ride for 1 hour are included.

Aqaba is situated at the most northern point of the eastern arm of the Red Sea. The delightful seaside resort of Aqaba is the perfect location for health and leisure activities. Aqaba is a fun place, it is a combination of all the good things Jordan has to offer, including a fascinating history with some outstanding sites, excellent hotels and activities, superb visitor facilities, good shopping, and friendly people who enjoy nothing more than making sure their visitors have a good time.  

The Red Sea itself with its beautiful reefs combined with the amazing underwater life provides the main attraction for Scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, or just chilling out on the beach are only a few of the ways to relax, restore body and soul to one's self. The water is warm, the weather is perfect, and the facilities are second to none. Boat trip for 3 hours and lunch are included.

After breakfast, transfer to Amman taking the Wadi Araba route, very beautiful road among the sand dune, where you can take beautiful photos and unpublishable memories, you will pass by several stops to take photos. Exploring Amman by night is a delightful journey that unveils the city's vibrant energy and charm. As the sun sets, the bustling streets transform into a captivating tapestry of lights and activity. Roaming through the city's bustling avenues, one can feel the pulse of its nightlife, alive with the chatter of locals and the aroma of delicious street food. Amidst this lively atmosphere, there are ample opportunities to unwind and relax, whether it's finding a cozy café to sip aromatic Arabic coffee or strolling through beautifully lit parks. And for those in the mood for some retail therapy, Amman offers a plethora of shopping destinations, from bustling markets brimming with handmade crafts and souvenirs to modern malls housing international brands. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, culinary delights, or simply a leisurely stroll, Amman by night promises an unforgettable experience that lingers in the memory long after the stars fade from the sky.  

After your breakfast and according to your flights, meet your driver at the hotel and transfer to Queen Alia Airport for final departure.