JORDAN Ancient cities, Biblical sites and desert castles

8 days | Coming soon! |  24 - 31 October 2027

Ancient cities, Biblical sites and desert castles

Jordan's romantic associations – lost cities, biblical stories, Lawrence of Arabia – are well known, but the country is still a mystery to many. Many civilisations have left their mark on Jordan. The modern state has grown out of these, its rich cultural heritage reaching back to the prophets of the Old Testament. Our tour includes spectacular sites created by Romans, Christians and Muslims: flourishing cities of the Decapolis, Byzantine basilicas with resplendent mosaics, a fascinating Umayyad desert baths complex and a crusader stronghold towering high above the valley of the Dead Sea. Perhaps most breath-taking of all, the rock-cut stronghold of Petra, hidden away in the mountains south of Edom, was the capital of the enigmatic Nabateans, a nomadic people of Arabian origin who created there a city unique in the ancient world. In addition, Jordan offers a most diverse and magical landscape, ranging from the canyons of the King’s Highway and the geologically interesting basalt zone of eastern Jordan to the wild beauties of the desert.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Mid-afternoon flight at with British Airways from London Heathrow to Amman. Transfer by private coach to the hotel. First of three nights in Amman.

Day 2

A morning devoted to exploring the centre of Amman and the ancient citadel, with remains from the Bronze Age to early Islamic periods including the Roman Temple of Heracles and palace of the Islamic Umayyad governors. There is also a small archaeological museum. Continue to Jerash, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Roman cities in the region, situated in the hills of ancient Gilead. After lunch we explore the extensive ruins: temples, theatres, Byzantine churches, elegant plazas and colonnaded streets. Return to our Amman for our evening meal.

Day 3

Today we drive south and east of Amman to explore forts of the eastern Roman frontier and a desert complex of the early Umayyad rulers. Our first stop is Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortified settlement was once an important Roman frontier station. In the Byzantine period several churches with splendid mosaics were built within the impressive walls and in the settlement, which grew up outside. We continue into the eastern desert and stop for lunch at the RSCN Eco-Lodge, a converted 1940s British field hospital, before visiting the black basalt Roman fort at Azraq where Lawrence of Arabia stayed in 1917. At Qasr Amra, another UNESCO World Heritage site, there is a unique early 8th-century Umayyad baths complex, richly decorated with striking wall paintings representing a formative stage in the development of Islamic art. Return to Amman for dinner and the last of three nights in the city.

Day 4

After breakfast we bid farewell to Amman and travel by coach to Madaba. Here we visit the Archaeological Park, which houses a collection of Byzantine mosaics, and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George with the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. North-west of Madaba is Mount Nebo, from where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land. The Moses Memorial church has more fine mosaics. We continue along the Kings’ Highway, crossing the spectacular gorge of the Wadi Mujib, to the Crusader castle of Karak. We arrive in Petra in the early evening, checking in to our second hotel for the first of three nights. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5

Today we begin our exploration of one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, the fabulous Nabatean city of Petra, half-built, half-carved into the warm sandstone rock, a wonderful blend of ancient Near Eastern and Hellenistic traditions. We walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge, to the famous ‘Treasury’ and beyond, past tomb facades, the rock-cut theatre and an early Byzantine church to the city centre. After lunch we climb past other monuments to the great ‘High Place’ from where there are magnificent views over the ancient site and surrounding landscape. Return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 6

This morning we continue our discovery of Petra. We walk the ancient processional route up to the Deir, the largest monument in Petra, high above the city centre, and see more of the surrounding plateau before descending for lunch. The afternoon is free for further exploration of this wonderful site. Dinner in our hotel, last of three nights in Petra.

Day 7

By coach to Siq al-Barid or ‘Little Petra’, with rock-cut chambers and the famous ‘Painted House’, decorated with bird and ‘cupids’ among vines, flowers and foliage in typical Hellenistic Alexandrian style. A scenic drive takes us down to the Wadi Araba and the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth, below the Sanctuary of St. Lot with the remains of a 6th-7th-century Byzantine church. We continue along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea to our last hotel for the final night of this tour, and to enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 8

Transfer to Amman airport for an early morning flight, scheduled to arrive in London Heathrow late morning.

Intercontinental Hotel Amman

An iconic landmark in bustling Amman, Intercontinental Jordan Hotel offers spacious rooms and cosmopolitan amenities with a Middle Eastern touch.

Mövenpick Resort Petra

The Mövenpick Resort Petra is located close to the entrance of the historic site of Petra. This resort showcases oriental design with an exciting combination of natural stone, hand-crafted wood and traditional fabrics and furniture.

Mövenpick Resort And Spa Dead Sea

The luxury Mövenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea features a traditional village design set amidst lush gardens leading down to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on Earth. Pools, flowing water, spa facilities, courtyards and cafes all contribute to a sense of tranquillity and well-being in this 5 star resort.

With Flights:   TBC

No Flights:   TBC

Single Supp:   TBC

Deposit: TBC

Departure Dates:

24 - 31 October 2027

Duration:

7 nights / 8 days

Your Holiday Includes:

• Return flights (Economy class) from London to Amman
• Seven nights’ bed and breakfast in locally 4 and 5-star rated hotels
• Private coach transfers and  excursions
• Six evening meals and six lunches
• Guided visits to monuments and museums listed in the programme
• Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager 
• Detailed programme and study notes 
• All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters 

Expert Lecturer

Sue Rollin

Sue Rollin specialises in the ancient and Islamic Middle East, India and the Mediterranean. An archaeologist, historian and linguist by training, Sue lectures for the Arts society and the V&A and has led Study Tours in Spain, Sicily, Morocco, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. Sue speaks Spanish, Italian, French and German. She is co-author of two travel guides: the Blue Guide to Jordan and Istanbul: A Traveller’s Guide.

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that most of our tours involve a large amount of walking, across uneven ground and often without the opportunity to sit down for at least half an hour. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

Hotels

Please note that the listed hotels are subject to change based on the availability provided by our local agent. For further information, please contact the office or email us at abroad@artpursuits.com.