Hiking & archaeological treasures in the Fertile Crescent

Walk in the footsteps of ancient Bedouins as you explore the stark beauty and archaeological treasures of the Kingdom of Jordan. On foot and by camel you'll journey into the past, exploring the mosques of Amman and the Ruins of Jerash, the largest Roman archaeological site outside of Italy. Discover the "Lost City" of Petra, and be awed by its giant walls of red sandstone carved into vast tombs. Red and white sandstone cliffs will also surround you as you descend from the top of the Rift Valley through the Dana Nature Reserve. And in Wadi Rum (where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed) you'll hike down rugged trails that have been in constant use for over 6,000 years. All this adventure is balanced with luxury, from spa treatments at the Dead Sea—1,300 feet below sea level!—to Arab gourmet cooking lessons. So come discover the rich history, hospitality, and scenery that await you on this adventure in the Fertile Crescent.

Activities

Cultural and archaeological touring, 1 day moderate hiking, 1-day camel riding (option to walk)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the ancient rose-red fortress of Petra, a UNESCO world heritage site
• Explore beyond Jordan's classic sites, from the small hillside town of Dana to the monolithic rock formations of Wadi Rum
• Experience the healing powers of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth!
• Visit the Roman ruins of Jerash—the largest outside of Italy
• Walking tour of the mosques, souks, and ruins of Amman
• Camelback tour of the deserts and canyons of Wadi Rum

Duration: 11 days Start Location: Amman End Location: Amman

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival in Amman

  Arrival in Amman, Jordan.

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  Day 2 : Amman

  Morning city walking tour of Amman, including the Citadel, Roman Theater, and several museums. Afternoon exploring the Greco-Roman city of Jerash.

• Day 3 : Dana Nature Reserve

  Tour of Mt. Nebo (said to be Moses' burial place) and walking tour of Madaba's Byzantine-era mosaics.

• Day 4 : Dana Nature Reserve

  Full day of hiking through Dana Nature Reserve, enjoying the spectacular scenery and privacy (no other tourists!). Dinner and overnight at Jordan's first "green" lodge, using only solar power and candles for lighting and serving locally grown produce.

• Day 5 : Petra

  Drive the King's Highway to Petra.

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  Day 6 : Petra

  A full day of exploring the ancient, rock-hewn city of Petra, undoubtably Jordan's most valuable treasure. Petra, or "rock" in Greek, was once a thriving city of 20,000 inhabitants.

• Day 7 : Wadi Rum

  Rugged driving and hiking into the vast desert of Wadi Rum, a land of contrast—from red rolling dunes to massive sandstone mountains. We'll spend the night under the stars in our own private Bedouin camp.

• Day 8 : Wadi Rum

  Continue to explore Wadi Rum by camel.

• Day 9 : Dead Sea

  Travel overland to the Dead Sea and visit the site of Jesus' baptism.

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  Day 10 : Dead Sea

  A day to relax and enjoy the Dead Sea—the lowest point on earth! Opt for spa treatments, or spend the day relaxing on your own.

• Day 11 : Departure

  Transfer to Amman for departure, or join our Nile Cruise extension in Egypt!

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File