Aqaba is Jordan’s only Red Sea resort and the port city which is warm, sunny, inviting, and has a dazzling undersea world of some of the most spectacular coral reefs to be found anywhere else, located 332 km (206 miles) south of Amman Aqaba has an ideal combination of city-life, beaches and history.
The southernmost city in Jordan, Aqaba is surrounded by mountains and deserts.
While the water and beaches draw many people here, the city’s prime location gives visitors access to many amazing attractions in Jordan, including Wadi Rum and the famous lost city of Petra.
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan became one of the 7 New Wonders of the World when it was chosen in 2007 by a vote of 100 million people. The city’s carved rose-red sandstone rock facades, tombs, and temples became known around the world with its appearance in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade in 1989.
Itinerary
Highlights
Morning pick up from Amman, drive north far approximately 100 KM from Amman to visit Umm Qais, in the hills above the Jordan Valley, where the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara built mainly out of black basalt, and enjoy the impressive view over Lake Tiberias and the Golan Heights. Drive down to Rabad Castle (Ajloun Castle).
Built in the 12th century CE during the Saladin era, this hilltop fortress overlooks a large part of the Jordan Valley. Continue to Jerash (Gerasa); nicknamed the “Pompeii of the Near East”, it is considered one of the Roman Decapolis and one of the best-preserved cities of the ten, and visit its theatres, temples of Zeus, churches, colonnaded streets of its Cardo, the temples of Dionysus and Artemis. Back to Amman.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Amman.
Highlights
Start the visit with Amman city; the capital of Jordan, a fascinating city of contrasts, a unique blend of old and new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley.
The visit will include the fascinating Roman Theatre and Nymphaeum that reflect the historic legacy of the city, and the enchanting Citadel, which has stood since the ancient times of the Ammonites. Depart to Madaba, the ‘City of Mosaics’, which has the most famous mosaic map of the Holy Land as it was in 6th century CE Byzantine Palestine. Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses was given a view of the holy land, where he died and was buried. The memorial of Moses offers spectacular views of the Jordan Valley.
Travel to Petra, via the king’s road, ancient Silk Road and arrive in the evening with the sunset over the mountains of Petra. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Petra.
Highlights
Petra – one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites and today’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The 2,000-year old ancient city of Petra. Known as the red rock city, Petra was the ancient capital of the Nabateans from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE.
Carved by the Nabateans out of solid rock, Petra was forgotten for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by a Western explorer in 1812. At the entrance to Petra travelers are offered the option to ride a horse for 800m – from the visitor’s center to the entrance of the dramatic Siq (canyon). From the entrance to the Siq there is a 1,250-meter walk to the 1st monument, The Treasury.
Throughout most of the day we will explore Petra’s in the afternoon, then depart to Wadi Rum.
Dinner and overnight at camp in Wadi Rum.
Highlights
Enjoy the desert sunrise and breakfast before a tour for two to three hours in off-road vehicles, exploring the desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan’s largest desert and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. Discover the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the Lawrence Well and Khazali siq.
Transfer to Aqaba, with free time to spend relaxing as you choose; visiting one of the Red Sea beach resorts to swim or exploring the markets of the downtown.
Aqaba offers several snorkeling and diving excursions to explore coral reefs and colorful sea life, or hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to view into the deep sea.
Diner and overnight in Aqaba.
Highlights
Highlights
Transfer to Amman airport for departure
Highlights
Hotels Envisaged or Similar
Amman Kempinski
Petra Movenpick Nabatean Castle
Wadi Rum Al-Sultana Luxury Camp
Aqaba Doubletree by Hilton
Dead Sea Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea