Best of Jordan

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a city of contrasts, offering both ancient ruins and thriving modern life. The city was built in an ideal location, situated on the hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. Begin your tour by stepping back in time with a visit to The Citadel - a reminder that Amman has been inhabited for thousands of years, and was once a major Roman city. Although not as impressive as the Colosseum in Rome or the Acropolis of Athens, the Citadel does impose on the modern city's landscape, and provides a constant reminder of the rise and fall of civilisations. The Citadel is home to a small but extremely interesting museum which is well worth a visit, before exploring the modern aspects of the city and understanding a little about how modern Jordanians live, shop, eat, work and pray in this large, modern city.

Known for its historical monuments and fascinating culture - Jordan’s modern day story is equally as important, and no less fascinating.

Today you will meet with a member of the speaker's bureau who will explain the current state of affairs in Jordan, including the political system, the path to democracy, reformers versus conservatives, the history and evolution of the monarchy, and the impact of the various waves of refugees in Jordan. Your meeting will last around an hour and your speaker, who is either a prominent journalist, risk analyst or think tank expert, will spend the time imparting their deep knowledge on these subjects. This will be a chance to step away from the ruins of the past and probe deeply into the Jordan of today.

Explore the ancient city of Jerash. A truly incredible site, extremely well preserved and with remains from Neolithic times, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and others. Its history also tells the tale of a remarkably long chain of human occupation.

As one of the best preserved cities of the Roman Empire, visited by Emperor Hadrian 129 AD, it’s possible to walk within the tracks of chariot wheels that are still visible in the paving stones. During your tour today you will be able to walk beneath the imposing south gate and then make your way up the 'Street of Columns' – the Roman road running 600 metres north from the Oval Plaza. And, as you visit the theatres you can imagine the throngs of crowds enjoying dramas unfolding before them.

Visit Mount Nebo today and gaze across to Jerusalem, just 60 kilometres away. The Prophet Moses is said to have stood on Mount Nebo and looking over into the Promised Land, understood that he would not be permitted to enter it. Today Mount Nebo is a memorial site, and the Church of Moses was built by early Christians in honour of the site and has attracted pilgrims since the earliest days of Christianity.

Read a map like no other today when you visit the ‘City of Mosaics’ and St George's Church, famous for its ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. The real name of this city is Madaba, which sits just south of Amman and is in fact a 4000 year old archaeological site. The quantity of the mosaics here is astounding, particularly the creation within the Church of the Apostles which depicts the sea and her creatures.

Today you will visit Petra - perhaps one of the most stunning and impressive ancient sites which one can visit anywhere in the world today. On arrival at the visitor center our guide will escort you into Petra through the Siq and reveal the highlights of the Nabatean city, including the stunning Treasury. Other sites include the theatre, the tombs and facades and the colonnaded street. Full historical background will be provided, together with information about the Nabatean civilisation. Please bring excellent walking shoes with you as Petra is a large site and a visit to Petra involves a considerable amount of walking.

Uncover the remarkable ruins of Little Petra today, sitting within a natural gorge with its impressive doorway - enormous and majestic. Step inside to reveal the wonders within the depths from remarkable Nabatean tombs, divinity blocks, cisterns, and dining halls complete with benches and hand washing sinks used for commemorative meals. During the excavations a large number of broken dishes were found, suggesting that breaking dishes was a ritual at the end of commemorative meals inside Little Petra.

Embark on an exhilarating jeep tour through the magnificent desert alongside a knowledgeable local Bedouin guide. Marvel at the endless expanse of golden sands stretching before you, and be mesmerised by the fascinating formations of rocks that punctuate the landscape. As you traverse this breathtaking terrain, take advantage of the opportunity to engage with your guide, delving into his unique way of life, the cherished traditions of the Bedouin culture, and the secrets of desert survival—all of which stand in stark contrast to our own familiar existence.

Immerse yourself in authentic Arabic culture today as you visit a local home for the chance to chop, cook, learn and dine. You will learn about the Arabic kitchen and how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal with the help of some pretty experienced kitchen hands. Petra has long been the spice centre of the world and has been pivotal in the spice trade itself. This means that the dishes you cook and learn about today will be jam-packed with these colourful and aromatic additions. As you chop and cook you'll be able to chat with your hosts and learn more about their way of life. After this it will be time to sit together and eat the food that you prepared - a delicious meal.

Whether you want to unwind with luxurious spa treatments and mud baths, or if you're looking for an exhilarating adventure, the Dead Sea has something for everyone. There are beautiful waterfalls and stunning canyons to discover, as well as historical landmarks.