JORDAN
Even the most worldly traveller marvels at antique Petra, the imposing stronghold carved out of rock by the Nabateans more than 2,000 years ago. On our two-day visit to the rose-red city we will enjoy the enthralling walk through the towering Siq ravine and admire the stunning vista of soaring temples, dramatic halls and lofty altars hand-chiselled into the sandstone cliffs.
Situated in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, Jerash blends the architecture of Greece and Rome with the traditions of the ancient Arab world. With its outstanding colonnaded street, its unique oval-shaped forum and its triumphal arch celebrating the visit of Hadrian, Jerash was one of Rome’s grandest imperial outposts.
Dotted throughout the steppe-like terrain of eastern Jordan is a string of fortified palaces, towers and caravanserais. These desert castles, eloquent examples of early Islamic art and architecture, include Qasr Amra, its interior adorned with lively frescoes and colourful mosaics, and the black fortress of Qasr Al-Azraq, where Lawrence of Arabia quartered during the Great Arab Revolt. We will also visit Kerak, the Crusader castle linked with one of the less chivalrous Crusaders, Reynauld de Chatillon.
Further high points of our tour, which begins on the seven hills of Amman, include the biblical city of Madaba with its famous 6th century Map of Palestine mosaic and Mt Nebo, from where we will enjoy an unrivalled panorama embracing the Dead Sea, the West Bank, the River Jordan, and even, under clear skies, Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
In Amman we stay at the highly-rated Crowne Plaza (with indoor and outdoor swimming pools) before transferring to the Mövenpick Resort Hotel at the very entrance to Petra. Our final night is spent on the northern shores of the Dead Sea amidst the luxurious surroundings of the Mövenpick Resort Dead Sea Hotel.
Some of the walks in Petra are over long, steep and demanding gradients, and several days require early starts.
Our tour to Jordan will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, specialist in archaeology and ancient history. Andrew is a Fellow of the Society for Libyan Studies and belongs to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Classical Association of Scotland.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart Heathrow 1705 on Royal Jordanian Airlines for Amman, arriving 2355. Transfer to Crowne Plaza Amman for three nights.
Day 2Whole day exploring Umayyad (first great Islamic dynasty) desert castles: Qasr Al-Kharraneh (two-storey fortress with inner courtyard), Qasr Amra (famous baths complex), Qasr Al-Azraq (granite entrance, Umayyad mosque).
Day 3Amman: citadel (remains of Roman sanctuary of Heracles), Jordan Archaeology Museum, 2nd century AD Roman theatre. Afternoon: Jerash (Roman Gerasa, best preserved city of Decapolis): Hadrian’s Arch, remarkable Ionic “oval” forum, temples, baths, Byzantine churches.
Day 4Drive along King’s Highway (ancient spice road) to Madaba (famous Byzantine mosaics and 6th century map of Holy Land) before continuing to Mt Nebo (spectacular views of Holy Land, mountain-top church with superb Byzantine mosaics) and on to Petra for four nights at Mövenpick Resort Petra.
Day 5First of two days’ exploration of Petra (capital of Nabateans): monumental tombs, Deir Monastery, palaces, temples, amphitheatre, Byzantine church, treasury hewn from desert rock.
Day 6Further visits in Petra.
Day 7Little Petra (siq, tombs, temples) then on to Wadi Rum (stunning desertscape which inspired Lawrence’s Seven Pillars of Wisdom).
Day 8Kerak (Crusader castle) then continue to Dead Sea for overnight at Mövenpick Resort Dead Sea Hotel.
Day 9Transfer to Amman for return flight departing 1115, arriving Heathrow 1445.
Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, visa, breakfast & seven dinners, excursions & admissions.
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £559.
