Arrival at APT Amman, Meet & Assist by Sherazade Tours and transfer to the hotel

Dinner/overnight in Amman

Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan. It is the country's political, cultural and commercial centre and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.  Much of Amman's tourism is focused in the older downtown area, which is centered around the old souk (a colorful traditional market) and the King Hussein Mosque. The downtown area (known locally as the Balad) has been completely dwarfed by the sprawling urban area that surrounds it. Despite the changes, much remains of its old character. For those seeking the atmosphere of the Old City, it is best to venture to the district east of Jabal Amman. There, in the bustle of daily life, you can explore the capital's greatest souks, fine museums, ancient constructions, monuments, and cultural sites. The Citadel hill of Amman, known as Jabal al-Qal'a, has been inhabited for centuries, important as a military and religious site. It dates back to Roman and Byzantine times, and later work was carried out in the early Islamic era. Remains unearthed at the northern and eastern ends of the Citadel, possibly date back to the Bronze Age. The Citadel also is home to the Temple of Hercules which is said to have been constructed under the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius who reigned from 161-180 AD, is similar to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Since Amman resembles Rome, as it is situated on seven hills, the city was a favorite place for Roman soldiers and officials. Behind the Roman forum stands a Roman theatre — the largest theatre in Jordan — with room for 6,000 spectators.

Afternoon free

 

Dinner at oriental Restaurant in Amman / overnight in Amman

Jerash was already inhabited during the Bronze Age (3200 BC - 1200 BC). After the Roman conquest in 63 BC, Jerash and the land surrounding it were annexed by the Roman province of Syria, and later joined the Decapolis cities. In AD 90, Jerash was absorbed into the Roman province of Arabia, which included the city of Philadelphia (modern day Amman). The Romans ensured security and peace in this area, which enabled its people to devote their efforts and time to economic development and encouraged civic building activity. In the second half of the first century AD, the city of Jerash achieved great prosperity. In AD 106, the Emperor Trajan constructed roads throughout the provinces and more trade came to Jerash. The Emperor Hadrian visited Jerash in AD 129-130. The triumphal arch (or Arch of Hadrian) was built to celebrate his visit. A remarkable Latin inscription records a religious dedication set up by members of the imperial mounted bodyguard "wintering" there.

Ajlun Castle is located on the site of an old monastery. It was built in 1184 by Izz al-Din Usama, a general in the army of Saladin. The castle controlled traffic along the road connecting Damascus and Egypt. The fortress marks the furthest limit of Frankish incursions during the Crusades. The Mamluks added a prominent tower to the castle. It was captured by the Mongols in 1260 and was partially destroyed in the process.

 

Overnight in Amman

Archeologists think that Mt. Nebo is the grave of the prophet Moses. And through excavations a basilica and a monastery form the early Byzantine Christians was found. From an exposed place you can look over the country and might be able to see Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

 

Madaba is also called the city of the mosaics. The main attraction is the Byzantine mosaic from old Palestine - also called the Palestine map.

Originally it consisted of two million mosaic stones and had a size of 25 x 5 meter. The mosaic shows mountains, valleys, towns and even cities.

 

Dinner/overnight at the Dead Sea

Following the old Kingsway you can find two of the biggest Crusaders Castles. One is Qal'at ash Shawabak and the other on is Qal'at al-Kerak.

Both castles were built to protect the boarders of the Roman Empire and the trading routes to the Read Sea.

The Crusaders Castle Kerak existed way before their time as a castle. In 1142 it became the first Crusaders castle. Payen le Bouteiller was its builder and first lord of the castle.

1170 was the security of the castle trialed for the first time. Nur Ed-Din besieged the castle, to secure a problem free travel for a Syrian caravan to Egypt. A second time of siege experienced Kerak in the year of 1173, when troops of Saladin and Nur ed-Din settled in front of the castle. In ongoing history Kerak experienced many further sieges. Saladdin conquered both above mentioned castles in the years of 1188 (Kerak) and 1189 (ash Shawbak).

 

Dinner / Overnight in Petra

Petra – one of the most fascinating sights in Jordan. Petra is one of the world wonders and impresses with its wonderful architecture. The city was build through the Nabatean people more than 2000 years ago.

Through the Siq, a 1.2km long canyon with up to 100m high mountains, you will walk into the city.

The first thing you will see is a breathtaking view on the treasury, El Khazneh. Archaeologists thought first, that this was a place for all the gold and treasury of the Nabatean people. But actually it was the grave for the most important of the 13 Nabatean kings.

The facade is about 45m high and 30m wide and was built in the first century before Christ. It is believed, that it was later on used as a temple.

Besides many other sides in Petra, which are nearly impossible to visit in a weeks stay, it is important to name the monastery. Round about 800 steps take you to the impressive building. Still there is a lot to find out and a lot to visit in Petra, find out yourself…

 

Dinner/overnight in Aqaba

Wadi Rum, the desert valley of the Bedouins, framed by brown and red jagged mountain ranges, will impress you. The mountains, the highest is 1254m high (Jebel Rum), are from granite stone and sandstone. The dark granite stone build the foundation of the mountains and the sand stone builds the tops. This typical order of stone is the reason for many springs in the inner part of the Wadi. Rainwater form the winter slowly comes through the sandstone and meets finally the impervious granite stone from which it flows to the outside where it becomes springs. Many times the water come a lot of meters above the ground of the valley out of the mountains. Already in the time around 8000 before Christ the first farmer families settled in the Wadi and cultivated the ground around the mountain springs.

The best experience in Wadi Rum will surely be a two hour Jeep Safari!

Dinner/overnight in Aqaba

After breakfast transfer to APT Amman, where Sherazade Tours will arrange all departure formalities again

 

Please contact us for questions and rates, in order to send you the best possible offer

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