Icons of Jordan & Palestine

Arrive in Amman and transfer to the hotel in nearby Madaba, the “Mosaic Town”.

Visit St. George’s Church and wonder at the 6th-century mosaic of the Holy Land laid out on the floor, then continue to Mt. Nebo, from where Moses is said to have looked out over the Holy Land. Drive to Little Petra and explore its highlights, then continue to Petra and explore by night. (B,L,D)

Take a guided tour of ancient Petra, learning about the history of the city and the incredible engineering techniques used to construct it. In the evening, there is an optional cooking class available. (B,L)

Enjoy the morning at leisure, with the chance to return to explore Petra further and perhaps take a guided walk to the High Places. After lunch, drive to Wadi Rum. Transfer to 4x4 vehicles and take to the sands, arriving into your camp in time for dinner and the sunset. (B,L,D)

Wake in time to watch the early morning sunrise gild the desert in gold and rose. After breakfast, depart Wadi Rum and head to the Dead Sea. Check in to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to float in the extremely salty waters. (B,L)

Cross the River Jordan and arrive in Palestine. Explore Tes el-Sultan, ancient Jericho, where the earliest settlement dates back over 10,000 years. Drive onwards and arrive in Bethlehem for two nights. (B,L,D)

Discover both sides of fascinating Bethlehem today: its ancient, historical past and its conflict-affected present. Explore the Old City in the morning and in the afternoon, learn more about the recent history by visiting Separation Wall and one of the three refugee camps. (B,L,D)

Take advantage of a trip into rural Palestine by doing one of the prettiest walks in the West Bank to the village of Battir, with its UNESCO-listed terraces. Have lunch in a local restaurant then transfer to Jerusalem, where you have the afternoon at leisure to explore after checking in to the hotel. (B,L)

Visit Al Haram Al Sharif, the Temple Mount, one of the holiest sites in Islam. Carry on to the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and throughout the afternoon explore further as you learn about Jerusalem and its history. (B,L,D)

Journey north through the hills of the West Bank to the ancient city of Nablus, home to a thriving bazaar. Explore and have lunch then press on to Sebastiya, a small hillside village close to the peaceful ruins of the Roman city. Explore the ancient site and spend the night in a guesthouse in Sebastiya. (B,L,D)

Cross back into Jordan via Israel. Meet your Jordanian guide and driver and visit Ajloun Castle before heading for the Ajloun Forest Reserve. Have lunch with a local family and enjoy an afternoon walk among the beautiful trees. Spend the night in cabins on the reserve. (B,L,D)

One of the best-preserved Roman sites in the Middle East is Jerash, and it’s yours to explore today. Roam the city with the guide before heading back to Amman, Jordan’s capital, to spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Start with a visit to the Citadel and discover the remnants of the many different civilisations that have made Amman home. Later, head down the hill to visit the Roman Theatre, then take in some of downtown Amman with visits to the Spice Market and Rainbow Street. Meet up in the evening for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Transfer to the airport for the flight home. (B)