Nabatean Wonders: A Private Journey Through Antiquity

When you arrive at the Queen Alia International Airport, one of our friendly and helpful guides will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it. They will take you to your hotel room, where you can relax and get some rest after your flight. You can also take this opportunity to wander out of your hotel and explore the city.

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast. Then set off to the ruins of Amman’s Roman Theater, the Umayyad Palace, the Archaeological and Folklore Museums, the Citadel and other destinations. After learning about the history of this fascinating area, take a short bus journey north to visit the Greco-Roman city of Jerash.

Jerash was a favorite city of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and it reached its zenith around AD 130. Admire the remarkably well preserved ruins, giving you a glance back many centuries into the past.

Afterwards, take a drive to the lowest point on earth to experience swimming in the Dead Sea – one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. This natural wonder has attracted visitors from all over the Mediterranean for many thousands of years. Float effortless in these waters – you will stay near the surface without even trying.

On this night, we stay in a hotel near the Dead Sea. (b)

Spend the day exploring the King’s Highway, a region of Jordan that was part of the legendary Silk Road. Our first stop will be in Madaba, a city known for its amazingly well preserved Umayyad and Byzantine mosaics. Gaze at the impressive “Madaba Map”, which is an enormous and elaborate mosaic from the 6th century depicting Jerusalem and regions of the holy land.

The famous Monastery of Mount Nebo is located on an elevated ridge, which is mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses once viewed the Promised Land that he never entered. The view from this summit provides an impressive panorama of the Holy Land and the valley of the River Jordan.

Journey south to Wadi Mujib, which is a visually stunning gorge that contains the protected Mujib Reserve, supporting rare bird life in the region. Admire the breath-taking scenery, rocky desert, deep wadis and spring-fed streams.

Continue further on to Kerak, which is one of the largest Crusader Castles in the Levant. A notable example of Crusader architecture, it contains a mixture of Byzantine, European and Arab designs as well as a deep moat. Visit the Karak Archaeological Museum to learn more about the history of the Karak region from the prehistoric period all the way up to the Islamic era. (B)

Petra is a lasting remnant of the Nabataean culture that once thrived here – the capital city of the kingdom from around the 6th century AD. After Saladin’s conquest of the Middle East in 1189, Petra was abandoned and all memory of it was lost to the West. The ruins remained hidden until 1812, when they were uncovered again by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

Approach the city through the narrow, towering stone cliffs and be dazzled by the enormous and intricate rose-colored stone façade. The site was featured in the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and it is a designated World Heritage Site as well as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”.

Our tour will reveal the complexity and sophistication of the Nabatean building methods, revealing the mysteries of the city one by one. Visit the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the places of sacrifice and the burial chambers. (B)

The area of Beida is known as “Little Petra”, tucked away in a shady canyon protected from the boiling sun – it was where the Nabateans used to entertain their guests.

Journey south to the gorgeous otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum and take a jeep tour through the area. Watch a colorful sunset light up the rock formations while sipping a cup of tea and talking about the amazing sights you’ve witnessed.

Settle into the traditional-style Bedouin encampment and tell stories around the campfire while looking up at the desert night sky and enjoying delicious traditional food. We have high-quality Canadian sleeping tents with comfortable mattresses, blankets and sheets to keep you warm and cozy on the cool desert night. (B,D)

Explore more of the vibrant city of Amman. Shop for souvenirs in the bustling marketplace, visit the Roman Amphitheatre or check out the newly opened Jordan Museum. Admire the ages-old architecture of the Ammonite-era watchtower or the Temple of Hercules from the Roman Era. We also recommend watching the sunset from the view point near the Citadel – with the whole city stretched out beneath you. (B)

Your amazing journey of Nabatean Wonders has come to an end. After breakfast, a member of our staff takes you to the airport and assists you with all of the formalities – ensuring that you depart smoothly on your flight. (B)