Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Middle East is a grand epic, a cradle of civilisations and a beautiful, complicated land that's home to some of the planet's most hospitable people.

Welcome to incredible Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - the charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors with its World Heritage Sites, friendly towns with tradition of hospitality & inspiring desert landscapes.

Arrive in Amman, the gateway to an ancient world as well as the country's economic, political & cultural centre.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Amman Queen Alia International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (We shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Amman, the modern capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. A fascinating city of contrasts - a unique blend of old and new, situated on a hilly area between the desert & the fertile Jordan Valley

Recent excavations have uncovered homes & towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age. With many references to it in the Bible, Amman was known as Rabbath-Ammon, the capital of the Ammonites, it was also referred to as the “city of waters’. In the 3^rd century BC, the city was renamed Philadelphia after the Ptolemaic ruler Philadelphus. The city later came under Seleucid as well as Nabtean rule, until the Roman General Pompey annexed Syria and made Philadelphia part of the Decapolis League - a loose alliance of initially ten free city-states under overall allegiance to Rome. Under the influence of the Roman culture, Philadelphia was reconstructed in typically grand Roman style with colonnaded streets, baths, a theatre & impressive public buildings.

During the Byzantine period, Philadelphia was the seat of a Bishop & therefore several Churches were built. The city declined somewhat until the year 635AD. As Islam spread northwards from the Arabian Peninsula, the land became part of its domain. It reverted to its original Semitic name Ammon or Amman.

The ancient capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan city spread over 19 hills, or "jebels"., is a fascinating city of contrasts - a unique blend of old & new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert & the fertile Jordan Valley. Often referred to as the white city due to its low size canvas of stone houses, the city offers a variety of historical sites. Towering above Amman, the site of the earliest fortifications is now subject to numerous excavations which have revealed remains from the Neolithic period as well as from the Hellenestic & late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. 

Though it lacks the storied history & thrilling architectural tapestry of other regional capitals, there is plenty here to encourage you to linger awhile before making for Petra, the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum. In fact, Amman is one of the easiest cities in which to enjoy the Middle East experience.

Amman’s modern history began in the late 19^th century, when the Ottomans resettled a colony of Circassian emigrants in 1878. As the Great Arab revolt progressed & the State of Transjordan was established, King Abdullah I, the founder of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, made Amman his capital in 1921. Since then, Amman has grown rapidly into a modern, thriving metropolis of well over a million people.

Downtown Amman is a must-see. At the bottom of the city’s many hills & overlooked by the magisterial Citadel, it features spectacular Roman ruins & the hubbub of mosques, souqs & coffeehouses, that are central to Jordanian life.

In the commercial heart of the city, ultra-modern buildings, hotels, smart restaurants, art galleries & boutiques rub shoulders comfortably with traditional coffee shops & tiny artisans' workshops. Amman’s neighborhoods are diverse and range in cultural & historical context from hustle & bustle of the downtown markets to the art galleries of Jabal Lweibdeh & the modern shopping district of Abdali

Elsewhere, urbane western Amman has leafy residential districts, cafes, bars, modern malls & art galleries; and in earthy eastern Amman, it’s easy to sense the more traditional and conservative pulse of the capital.

The 3 Museums located here, that offer a glimpse of history & culture, they are the Jordan Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum & the Museum of Popular Tradition. Due to the city’s modern-day prosperity & temperate climate, almost half of Jordan’s population is concentrated in the Amman area. The people of Amman are multi-cultural, multi - denominational, well-educated & extremely hospitable.

Overnight.  

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & depart for Dead Sea.

But before leaving the city, spend a couple of hours exploring some of the highlights of Amman (though not much to see in Amman proper).

Amman, often referred to as the white city due to its low size canvas of stone houses, offers a variety of historical sites. There are a number of renovations & excavations taking place that have revealed remains from the Neolithic period, as well as from the Hellenestic & late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages.

The site which is known as the Citadel includes many structures such as the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace & the Byzantine Church. At the foot of the Citadel lies the 6,000 seat Roman Theatre, which is a deep-sided bowl carved into the hill & is still being used for cultural events. Another newly restored theatre is the 500 seat Odeon that is used for concerts.

The Amman Citadel should be at the top of every Amman itinerary. Towering above the capital city of Amman on top of Jebel Al Qala’a hill, the historic Citadel comprises a 1700 meter wall that dates back to the Bronze Age encompassing the iconic Temple of Hercules & the Umayyad Palace.

The city of Amman was originally known as Rabbath Ammon (which translates to ‘royal ancient city of the Ammonites’). The Ammonites lived in the kingdom during the Iron Age. It was during this period that it was fortified (around 1800 BCE). Since then the site has undergone so many rebuilds & additional constructions during the Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine & Umayyad eras that as a consequence, very little remains of the original Citadel.

Towering over Amman’s modern skyline, the Temple of Hercules built by the Romans & located at the peak of a hillside in one of the ancient city’s oldest quadrants, is the most famous site within the Citadel. An inscription close to the temple dates it to around 160 CE.

Constructed between 162-166 CE during Marcus Aurelius’ Roman occupation of Amman’s Citadel, the great temple is larger than any in Rome itself. Its portico faces east & is surrounded by six, 33 foot tall columns. Measuring 100 feet long by 85 feet wide, with an outer sanctum of 400 by 236 feet, the fact that the rest of the Temple remained unadorned by columns suggests to scholars that the structure was never completed, for reasons history has yet to reveal. During the excavation process, few clues were left to help scholars unlock the mysteries of this massive half-finished, abandoned temple. But the ones that did exist were huge - albeit ambiguous.

Visitors flock to the citadel to see the most gigantic, swoony, intimidating trio of fingers in all of antiquity – the glorious Hand that is believed to be the hand of a large statue of Hercules. From just 3 gigantic fingers, one elbow & a scattering of coins, archaeologists have agreed these marble body parts likely belonged to a massive statue of Hercules himself. Therefore, the theory goes, the Temple also must have been dedicated to the half-god known for his feats of strength & far-ranging adventures.   

This hand is all that remains of the statue & is a symbol of the Roman hero’s strength.  Other intact remains include a couple of 30 feet high Pillars signifying that the Temple had a height of around 13 meters.

Experts’ best guess is that, in its original state, the Statue would have measured upwards of 40 feet high, which would have placed it among the largest known marble statues to have ever existed. Likely toppled during one of the area’s periodic catastrophic earthquakes, the statue fell to bits, but unlike the temple, all except the hand and elbow disappeared. As one guide put it, “The rest of Hercules became Amman’s countertops.”

Back in the here and now, it makes for a pretty enjoyable time to walk up to a cluster of fat fingers, stare at their well-trimmed nails & cuticles, and walk away giggling that scholars have agreed: Hercules enjoyed a good manicure, just like modern-day demigods.

The buildings that formed part of the Umayyad Palace believed to have been built between 7^th - 8^th century, are the best-preserved structure in the Citadel.

The Palace originally covered a very large complex but most of it was destroyed by an earthquake. The domed audience hall is still in a good condition & its grand design was used to impress visitors to the Palace. There is a courtyard containing the ruins of residential buildings & the Cistern which was used to transport water to the palace.

There are the ruins of a 6^th century Byzantine church but all that remains today are pillars, the floor plan & some mosaics.

Then, get a taste of ancient Philadelphia - the city that stood where Amman is now over 2,000 years ago - at the Roman Theater close to downtown that reflects the historic legacy of the city. Impressive to note that it has withstood the vagaries of nature for over 2 millennia & with its seating for 6,000 spectators, it is still in use to host cultural events (our office will know if there is anything going on during your dates).

The Jordan Archaeological Museum is also located at the Amman Citadel & has a collection of artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age. It is also home to the Ain Ghazal Statues, some of the oldest known statues in Jordan made from lime plaster & reed and dating back to around 600 – 8000 BCE.

And now you embark on an adventure driving on the iconic King’s Highway to visit some of the ancient sites Jordan offers.

The King’s Highway was a principal ancient Near East trade route of vital importance for traders traveling between Arabia & the Levant, connecting Africa with Mesopotamia, running from Egypt across the Sinai Peninsula to Aqaba, then turning northward across Transjordan, to Damascus & the Euphrates River.

First mentioned by name in the Bible, the Kings' Highway was the route that Moses wished to follow as he led his people north through the land of Edom, which today is in southern Jordan. The name may, however, derive from an even earlier episode recounted in Genesis 14, when an alliance of "4 kings from the north" marched their troops along this route to do battle against the 5 kings of the Cities of the Plain, including the wicked cities of Sodom & Gomorrah.

The Highway crosses countless river beds & the availability of water made this a key trade route. It hugs the edge of the Great Rift Valley, with the Dead Sea filling the bottom of this huge split in the earth. It winds its way through the different ecological zones including forested highlands, open farmland plateaus, deep ravines, the edge of the Eastern Desert & the warm tropical Gulf of Aqaba.

Lining both sides of this 335 km thoroughfare is a rich chain of archaeological sites that reads like an index of ancient history & a biblical gazetteer - prehistoric villages from the Stone Age, biblical towns from the kingdoms of Ammon, Moab & Edom, Crusader Castles, some of the finest early Christian Byzantine Mosaics in the Middle East, a Roman-Herodian fortress, several Nabataean temples, 2 major Roman fortresses, early Islamic towns & of course, the rock-cut Nabataean capital of Petra.

These days, most heavy traffic takes the Desert Highway, leaving the winding switchbacks, dramatic vistas, castles & churches to the intrepid visitors.

First stop will be Jerash to see the better preserved Roman ruins.

Arriving in the modern town of Jerash, with its provincial streets & small market gardens, you see little to suggest its illustrious past. But the moment you cross from the new town into the ancient city, its boundary marked by the imposing Hadrian’s Arch, it becomes apparent that this was once no ordinary backwater but a city of great wealth & importance.

An urban Greek center in the 3^rd century BC, Jerash later flourished under Roman rule for about 200 years. While the Middle East contains other surviving Roman cities that boast similar architectural treasures, the ancient ruins at Jerash are famous for their remarkable state of preservation, probably the best preserved Roman ruins in the world. Enough structures remain intact for archaeologists & historians, and even casual visitors, to piece together ancient life under the rule of an emperor.

Most of the ancient city of Gerasa was destroyed in an earthquake in 749 AD, leading to comparisons to another great Roman city: Pompeii.

Hidden for centuries in under the shifting sands before being re-discovered in 1806 by German explorer Ulrich Jasper Seetzen & restored over the past 70 years, The picturesque ruins are all that remains of a once-great ancient city that saw the likes of Alexander the Great, the emperors Trajan & Hadrian and the mathematician Nichomachas.

Jerash is one of the best examples of a Roman provincial city in the entire Middle East located on a plain surrounded by hilly wooded areas & fertile basins. This ancient Greco-Roman city is a close 2^nd to Petra as the favourite destination in Jordan & boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years, making it one of Jordan’s most impressive archaeological sites. The site is so well preserved it is easy to imagine the grandeur of this city that once was & the history of the site really comes alive.

Beneath its external Graeco-Roman veneer, Jerash also preserves a subtle blend of east & west. Its architecture, religion & languages reflect a process by which two powerful cultures meshed & coexisted - The Graeco-Roman world of the Mediterranean basin & the ancient traditions of the Arab Orient.

Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule & was one of the 10 great Roman cities, the Decapolis League. Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved & colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares & plazas, baths, fountains & city walls pierced by towers & gates.

Today it is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East & is a popular destination for those who would like to witness the majesty of Roman architecture, marvel at extraordinarily well preserved mosaics & carvings, and to see full-speed horse-drawn chariot races. The city is nestled in a valley carpeted with yellow mustard flowers in springtime. The Jerash Festival of Culture & Arts is held in July - August annually.

Spending the day here is like going back to ancient times. Proceed on an unforgettable experience of exploring the ruins & stroll down the long colonnaded Roman street Cardio Maximus, once the main thoroughfare through the city to see the huge spectacular oval Forum & Hippodrome which once hosted chariot races watched by up to 15,000 spectators, the lush Nymphaeum that was consecrated to the nymphs, Corinthian Column, Hadrian’s Arch built to commemorate a visit by Emperor Adrian & the Temple of Artemis.

There are a few places in the world where one has the opportunity to see history re-enacted, but only in the ancient Hippodrome of Jerash can you witness Chariots race or Gladiators in full regalia clash on the site where Roman athletes & warriors one walked & fought.

The Jerash Heritage Company puts on daily spectacles known as the “Roman Army & Chariot Experience”, with 45 “legionaries” in showing off battle tactics in armor, gladiators battling & a 7 lap race of Roman chariots. You can take photos with the legionaries.

After spending time here, continue northwest through a beautiful pine-forest & olive groves, to reach the magnificent hill town of Ajloun.

Ajloun (or Ajlun) is a town in the fertile highlands of north Jordan, where Emperor Hadrian stayed over the winter of 129-30 AD & built himself an Arch well outside the town, leaving unbonded its sides for future city walls to come out to meet it. It may look a bit rough around the edges, but Ajloun is founded on an ancient market town & boasts a 600 year old Mosque with a fine stone-dressed minaret.

Most visitors, however, don’t come to experience this chaotic little hub & its very limited attractions: they come for the impressive castle perched atop a nearby hill, where it has commanded the high ground for nearly 1000 years.

Ajloun Castle, more formally known as Qal'at Ar-Rabad, towers above the green hills of Ajloun & can be seen from many miles away, betraying its strategic purpose as a military watch post that protected the trade routes in the 12^th - 15^th centuries. The massive Fortress which once upon a time occupied a large stretch of the Jordan Valley, is one of the very few that were built to protect the country against the Crusaders.

It was first built in 1184-1185 AD by the famous Islamic leader Salah al-Din or one of his generals, Izzeddin Usama Mungidh as a buffer to protect the region & to repel the Crusader threats to north Jordan by dominating the 3 main routes leading to the Jordan Valley & protecting the communication routes between Jordan & Syria (the Crusaders had already occupied south Jordan, from their massive castles at Showbak & Karak before they were driven out of TransJordan). 

2 years after it was completed the Fortress's original purpose had already been outlived, for Salahuddin defeated the Crusaders at the battle of the Horns of Hattin in 1189, which marked the beginning of the end of their occupation of the Holy Land.

This superb example of Arab & Islamic architecture was built as a rectangle with 4 square towers & an entrance on the south side dominating a wide stretch of the north Jordan Valley & passages to it.

From its hilltop position, the Castle of Ajloun protected the communication routes between south Jordan & Syria and was one of a chain of Forts, which lit beacons at night to pass signals from the Euphrates as far as Cairo.

The Ajlun castle was expanded into its current configuration in In 1214-15 when it was enlarged by Aybak bin Abdullah, majordomo of the Caliph Al-Muazham Isa. In 1260, it fell to the Mongols, but was later rebuilt by the Egyptian Mamluks. No longer needed for military purposes, it was used as an administrative center responsible to Damascus.

Some of the stones with which the Castle was built have Crosses carved into them, giving credence to a tradition, recounted by a 13^th century Arab historian that: "an ancient Monastery once stood on the site, inhabited by a Christian named Ajloun; when the Monastery fell into ruin, the Castle took its place & the name of the Monk".

Today, Ajlun Castle is a splendid sight with a fascinating warren of towers, chambers, galleries & staircases to explore, while its hilltop position offers stunning views of the Jordan Valley.

Inside, the Ajloun Archaeological Museum’s displays include ancient Neolithic artifacts. The Castle today is beautifully preserved & is a popular attraction for foreigners & Jordanians alike. The structures, towers, chambers, galleries & staircases that form part of the town as well as the beautiful scenery that surrounds the hills nearby will captivate you for sure.

Today it provides superb panoramas from Auf Mountain. Take in the views & explore the ruins, partly caused by Mongol invaders & partly from natural occurrences, such as the earthquakes of 1837 & 1927.

With the biblical site of Mar Elias & one of Jordan’s best nature reserves in the vicinity, the Ajloun Castle Trail winds north to the ruined hilltop church of Mar Elias associated with Prophet Elijah. The Prophet’s Trail continues through orchards & oak trees to the Ajloun Forest Reserve.

Tall (hilltop) Mar Elias is very close to the ruins of a village known as Listib which is believed to be formerly Tishbi, the home of Prophet Elijah, a native of Gilias in Tranjordan. The fact that this is a religious site is substantiated by the 2 churches that were built on the Tall at the end of the Byzantine period.

Close to Ajlun is Anjara, a Christian pilgrimage site where Jesus Christ, his mother Mary & his disciples passed through and rested in a nearby cave now commemorated with the Church of Our Lady of the Mountain.

There is also the Ajlun Nature Reserve established in 1988 to initiate a captive-breeding program for the Roe Deer. The woodland consists of Mediterranean like hill country, dominated by Oak, Pine, Carob, Pistachio & wild strawberry trees.  These trees have been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty and, quite often, for medicine & food. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has set up two hiking trails & provided a special area for camping. 

Continue on to Dead Sea.

Without doubt, the world’s most amazing place, the Jordan Rift Valley is a dramatic, beautiful landscape, which at the Dead Sea, is over 400 metres below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast, stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty

Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture & medicine with some of its finest products. The Dead Sea is a body of water that has a very high salt content. Bursting with 21 earth-given minerals, natural Dead Sea Mud is unequalled in its ability to enrich, enhance & hydrate.

Although sparsely populated & serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin & Zoar. However, most of all it is famous for being the area that the Dead Sea Scrolls are from.

Specifically a cave in Qumran is the site where a number of ancient manuscripts were found. They were written just after the time of Christ. These scrolls provide contemporary & philosophical information about Jesus & his followers.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions for “optional’ programs & make arrangements). Try the wonder of the Dead Sea Mud. With seemingly magical results, your skin will look & feel positively radiant.

Overnight.  B 

Early morning, depart for Petra, enroute visiting Mt Nebo & Madaba with its churches & Kerak.

Travelling along on the 5,000 year old Kings´ Highway, passing through a string of ancient sites, reach the commanding peak of Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge of the Abarim in Jordan, approximately 710 metres above sea level, which offers stunning views over the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley & the Holy Land towards Jerusalem.

Mount Neb region featuring several rocky outcrops & 2 peaks is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land, a land he was himself forbidden to enter. It is believed that he died aged 120 & was later buried in the area, although the exact location of the burial site is the subject of conjecture.

By the 4^th century AD, Mount Nebo had already become a pilgrimage site and a church & sanctuary were built on Siyagha to honor Moses. The site is frequently visited by travelers of religious faith who, just like Moses, want to have a breathtaking view over Israel. On a clear day, visitors may be able to spot Jericho & even Jerusalem.

On the highest point of the mountain is Siyagha (the local name of the site, meaning ‘Monastery’), the remains of a Church & Monastery believed to have been constructed in the second half of the 4^th century to commemorate the place of Moses' death, have been uncovered in 1933. The Moses Memorial Church with its magnificent mosaics, is perched on the summit, is the centrepiece of a small hilltop commanding sweeping views of the Dead Sea & Israel & the Palestinian Territories beyond.

In the 6^th century AD, Monks constructed a Byzantine Monastery on Siyagha, which lasted for almost 6 centuries. The site was abandoned by the 16^th century. In 1993, Mount Nebo was purchased by the Franciscans who restored the site. It is an active Franciscan monastery today that is open to visitors.

While the original building is no longer there, the mosaics from this time period are still visible. Visitors are able to see preserved mosaics uncovered from archaeological digs dating back to the 6^th century. The main Mosaic illustrates the process of Winemaking, as well as images of hunters & animals. Outside, there is a sculpture of the Serpentine Cross, a symbolic combination of the bronze serpent created by Moses & Jesus’ cross.

After spendng an hour at Mt. Nebo, drive further along on the Kings´ to visit one of the most memorable places on the Holy Land circuit.

Reach Madaba, an ancient town on the Jordanian Plateau that was resettled by Christian Arab tribes from the Karak region.

The small town smells of cardamom, rosewater & ancient sighs. It earns its place on the map of the world today with a map of the world from yesterday: one of the oldest maps of the Holy Land embedded on the floor of a Church. 6 Tombs, from different periods, have also been found hollowed out of the rock beneath the mosaic-covered floor of the Church.

Much of the Middle East is filled with mosaic art. Nicknamed the “City of Mosaics", it is best known for its spectacular Byzantine & Umayyad mosaics dating back to the 3^rd millennium BCE. It is home to the famous 6^th century Mosaic Map of Palestine & the Holy Land discovered inside the contemporary St. George's Greek Orthodox Church.

It is astonishing to remember that the Madaba Map was lost & only rediscovered in 1896.

The world's oldest map of the Holy Land gives us a fragmented glimpse into the cartography of the Middle East & layout of biblical nations, measuring 25 x 5m in its original state. This tile map is the oldest known geographic floor mosaic in existence, depicting the Middle East during the height of the Byzantine period.

Installed sometime during the late 6^th century CE, with 2 million pieces of vividly colored local stone, it depicts hills & valleys, villages & towns as far as the Nile Delta. From Egypt to Lebanon, including sites such as Bethlehem & Gethsemane, but the gem of the Mosaic is the detailed representation of the city of Jerusalem which shows a number of specific structures & street in the city such as the Damascus Gate, the Church of The Holy Sephulchre & the Tower of David. Segments are missing yet the fundamentals remain: artists depicted the way they saw the world in a way that speaks to us 1500 years later.

Much of the enormous Map’s tiles have been chipped away or been destroyed but a large contiguous piece of the Map still exists illustrating both locations & names ranging from geographic features to cities.

A few blocks from the Church is the Madaba Archaeological Museum, which contains the remains of several Byzantine churches, including some wonderful Mosaics found there & in other parts of the region, as well as other ancient artifacts. Highlights include the Eden-like Mosaic of Paradise, where trees burst with fruit & hares leap amid lions.

Other mosaic masterpieces found in the Church of the Virgin & the Apostles, the Hippolytus Mansion,  Church of the Prophet Elijah, Church of the Holy Martyrs & the Archaeological Museum, depict a rampant profusion of flowers & plants, birds & fish, animals & exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology & everyday pursuits of hunting, fishing & farming. Literally, hundreds of other Mosaics from the 5^th - 7^th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba's churches & homes.

There are a number of recreations of the Madaba Mosaic across the world, most of which are fittingly placed in the floor of a foyer, much like the original. There is one in a school in Bonn, as well as a copy in the floor of the YMCA in Jerusalem. The Madaba Map may not be complete, but it is still our most comprehensive overview of the biblical landscape.     

But, of course, that is not the only Mosaic in Madaba. Hundreds exist & some form part of ancient history. And it is not only about the olden times. At Mt. Nebo which you just passed through, artisans are currently working on a Mosaic which depicts the King’s Highway, the route that runs from Aqaba & the Red Sea north to Bosra Sham.

It will feature all the notable installations along the King’s Highway including the Dead Sea, Baptism Site of Jesus & of course, Madaba itself. When complete, it will run for more than 30 metres involving more than 3.5 million pieces & expects to earn the record of being the largest mosaic in the world.

The city of Madaba, you see, invites visitors to contribute a signed piece each to that Mosaic under production. Young & old, men & women, creative & inept and there is no barrier to race or religion here. Surely, a brilliant marketing strategy & a heartwarming gesture for the visitors.

Residents here are reclaiming their once endangered heritage thanks to efforts, aided by USAID. The Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art & Restoration was established to teach the restoration of these rare artworks. The Institute trains Artisans in the art of making, repairing & restoring Mosaics.

Originally set up as a school in 1992 by the Jordanian government, this Institute trains Jordanian artists in the production & restoration of Mosaics, spreads awareness & actively preserves Mosaics throughout the country. The restoration work of the school’s artisans is evident in the Archaeological Park, the Church of the Apostles & at Khirbet Mukhayyat.

Walk into the institute & see how children learn to make Mosaics. Have a look at different churches & may be, buy replicas of Mosaics & souvenirs from one of the many handicraft & souvenir shops. Cafes & restaurants also proliferate.

One more interesting spot to stop at before you reach Petra - your final destination for the night.

Drive further on the ancient King’s Highway & reach the nearby city of Al-Karak (or Kerak)

Al-Karak located on the ancient King’s Highway, has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age & was an important city for the Moabites. During the late Hellenistic Period, Al-Karak became an important town taking its name from the Aramaic word for town. In 1958 the remains of an inscription was found in Wadi al-Karak that has been dated to the late 9^th century BC. Several strategic 7^th century battles took place: the battles of Mu’ta, Yarmouk & Tabaqet Fahl.

Situated on a hilltop about 1,000 metres above sea level  surrounded on 3 sides by a valley with a  view of the Dead Sea, Al-Karak contains some of the oldest Christian communities in the world, dating as early as the 1^st century AD after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Still a largely Christian town, many of today's Christian families trace their origins back to the Byzantines.

Mentioned in the Bible, it is called Qer Harreseth or Kir of Moab (Kingdom of Moab) & is identified as having been subject to the Assyrian empire. In the Book of Kings (16:9) & Book of Amos (1:5, 9:7), it is listed as the place where the Arameans went before they settled in the regions in the northern of Levant &  to which Tiglath-Pileser III sent the prisoners after the conquest of Damascus.

The area eventually fell under the power of the Nabateans. The Roman Empire - with support from the Arab Ghassanid tribe, or Ghassasinah - conquered it from them in 105 AD. It was home to the Nabateans, Romans, & the Byzantines before the Crusaders took it over.

Under the Byzantine Empire it was the seat of a Bishopric, housing the much venerated Church of Nazareth & remained predominantly Christian under Arab rule. Its bishop Demetrius took part in the council of the 3 provinces of Palaestina held in Jerusalem in 536.

Many of Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) venerable companions & military leaders were martyred & buried in Jordan, and their tombs & shrines today are important destinations for pious Muslims such as Al-Mazar Aj-Janubi, just 25 minutes south of Karak.

Al-Karak was the also birthplace of Ibn al-Quff, an Arab Christian physician & surgeon and author of the earliest medieval Arabic treatise intended solely for surgeons.

The scenic Kings' Highway is littered with the remains of Crusader forts & outposts. For those fascinated by the Crusader Legends & Lore, a 2^nd group of Castles beckons. Their galleries, towers, chapels & ramparts still echo with the resolve of the Crusaders who built them almost a thousand years ago.

Jordan’s desert castles are beautiful examples of both early Islamic art & architecture. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone & stucco carvings & illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian & Graeco-Roman traditions, tell countless stories of life as it was during the 8^th century.

Today, Al-Karak town built on a triangular plateau, is undoubtedly known as the site of one of the highlights of Jordan, a fascinating example of architectural & military traditions of the time - a magnificently-situated  Crusader stronghold called the Kerak Castle, one of the 3 largest castles in the region (other 2 are in Syria), within the walls of the old city.

Perched above the bustling town at its narrow southern tip, the evocative ruins of a sprawling mid-12^th century, hilltop Castle inside the old city walls, has witnessed nearly a millennia of Levantine history. 

The Castle was designed to provide a watchful eye & an iron fist over the traders & travelers crossing the lands between the Dead Sea, Damascus, Egypt and the pilgrimage route between Damascus & Mecca.

It played an important role as a place of exile & a power base several times during the Mamluk sultanate. In the 13^th century, the Mamluk ruler Baibars used it as a stepping stone on his climb to power. In 1389 Sultan Barquq was exiled to al-Karak where he gathered his supporters before returning to Cairo.

Kerak’s strategic location on the caravan route between Damascus & Egypt made it the target of many sieges, some more successful than others. The fortified Castle saw both Christian & Muslim rule, including the battles between the Crusaders (Franks) & the Islamic armies of the legendary Saladin (Salah ad Din).

One in a long line of Frank defences, stretching from Aqaba in the south to Turkey in the north, the Castle was only in the Crusader's hands for 46 years. It had been threatened by Saladin's armies several times but finally, surrendered in 1188, after a siege that lasted more than a year. Saladin's younger brother, Al-Adil was governor of the district until becoming ruler of Egypt & Syria in 1199.

Karak's most famous occupant was Reynald de Chatillon, whose reputation for treachery, betrayal & brutality is unsurpassed. When Baldwin II died, his son, a 13-year-old leper, sued for peace with Saladin. The Leper King, however, died without an heir & in stepped Reynald, who succeeded in winning the hand of Stephanie, the wealthy widow of Karak's assassinated regent. He promptly broke the truce with Saladin, who returned with a huge army, ready for war. Reynald & King Guy of Jerusalem led the Crusader forces & suffered a massive defeat. Reynald was taken prisoner & beheaded by Saladin himself, marking the beginning of the decline in Crusader fortunes.

Now one of the most famous Crusader castles in popular culture, it is notable for its part in the 2005 Ridley Scott film, Kingdom of Heaven.

The structure is an early example of a fortified Frankish Crusader Castle, using elements of European, Byzantine & Arab designs. Over the centuries, the Castle grew with representative additions from its Christian, Muslim, Mamluk & Ottoman overlords.

220m long, 125m wide at the north end & 40m wide at the southern end where a narrow valley deepened by a ditch separates it from the adjoining & much higher hill, the Castle was once Saladin's favorite artillery position.

Today, the Crusader architecture identified by its dark, rough volcanic rock exists mostly on the upper level of the Castle & is easy to discern from the finely crafted blocks of lighter & softer limestone used in the later Arab additions made from white limestone.

This impressive former Crusader stronghold was ransacked by Saladin & left to rot for 500 years until restoration started. Kerak Castle is a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls & endless passageways.  While parts are still in ruins, some sections have been restored, including a few lengthy underground passages reached via a massive door.  More imposing than beautiful, the Castle is nevertheless an impressive insight into the architectural military genius of the Crusaders.

In 1355, the famous Arab traveller Ibn Battuta visited & wrote in his travel report "Al Karak is one of the strongest and most celebrated fortresses of Syria. It is called also Hisn al Ghurab (the Crow's Fortress) & is surrounded on every side by ravines. There is only 1 gateway that is entered by a passage tunnelled in the live rock. The entrances to 2 such tunnels (which are now blocked) are still visible - a large one next to the road approaching Karak from the southeast (Salah ad-Din Street) & a smaller one near Burj Az-Zahir Baybars (or Baybars' Tower), a massive structure resembling the castle keep. The other impressive tower (‘burj’ in Arabic) is Burj Al-Banawi, a round tower bearing a monumental inscription adorned by 2 panthers, the emblem of Sultan Baybars”.

With some care, you can walk along the crenellated top of the West Front wall and admire the sweeping view. On clear days, you can look across the Dead Sea & see all the way to the Mount of Olives bordering Jerusalem.

Away from the Castle, visitors can see the Castle Plaza, where beautiful 19^th century Ottoman administrative buildings have been redesigned to house a tourist center, with restaurants, a crafts center & other facilities grouped around a central plaza.

There is also the Karak Archaeological Museum established in 1980 inside the old castle, which has remains from the Moabite period in the 1^st millennium BC, going through the Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic & Crusader periods.

The main part of the Museum is a large hall in a vault of the Castle, used as living quarters for soldiers in the Mameluk period. The collections date from the Neolithic up to the late Islamic periods & come from the Kerak & Tafila regions.

The Museum houses remains of skeletons & pottery from the Bab Adh-Dhra' famous for its Bronze Age burial sites. There are Iron Age II artifacts from Buseirah; Byzantine glass vessels & inscriptions, and Roman & Nabataean artifacts from Rabbah & Qasr.

Depending on the available time, you may also visit the nearby Mazar Islamic Museum, host to a collection of items representing Islamic civilization & culture, including sculpture, ceramics & coins.

The city today is home to around 170,000 people and continues to boast a number of restored 19^th century Ottoman buildings, restaurants, places to stay, and the like.

After spending an hour exploring the Castle ruins, continue on to Petra.

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore independently (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

 A famous archaeological site - Petra, the great ancient city that lies half-hidden in the wind-blown landscape in Jordan's southwestern desert, is one of the world's most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites & undoubtedly the most famous attraction of Jordan

Petra is located in Biblical Edom, and the Scriptures state that the land of Edom “will be delivered from his [Antichrist's] hand” (Daniel 11:41).

Dating to around 300 B.C., it was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains & shifting sand, Petra tells of a lost civilization. Little is known about the Nabateans - a nomadic desert people whose Kingdom rose up from these cliffs & peaks, and whose incredible wealth grew from the lucrative incense trade.

Petra was only rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt in 1812 & it continues to spill its secrets. Even now, Archaeologists have explored less than half of the sprawling site & in 2016, with the help of satellite imagery, a monumental structure was found still buried in the sand. It is no wonder that Petra remains Jordan’s top tourist attraction.

Some archaeologists have ranked ancient Petra as the 8^th wonder of the ancient world - a truly justifiable claim. Petra is unique in every respect, having something to offer to the historian, anthropologist, archaeologist, geologist, architect & the naturalist, all of whom regularly come to Petra to conduct their studies & be in touch with the ancient past. You do not have to be a specialist in any field though to appreciate Petra because, once inside of it, you will be quickly awe-struck & you will want to know the how, why & where about it.

Much of Petra’s legendary appeal comes from its awesome, multicolored sandstone high mountains; it is a secluded site of steep rocky slopes, towering craggy mountain tops & blushing pink sandstone cliffs, into which most of the celebrated honeycomb of caves, tombs, facades, theatres & stairways carved by the Nabateans, an industrious Arab people who settled in the South more than 2,000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice & other trade routes that linked China, India & southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece & Rome.

Raqmu, or Petra (as the Greeks knew it), grew into the Nabateans’ most prominent city, linking camel caravans between the Mediterranean & Arabian Seas, from Egypt to Syria & beyond to Greece. Control of water sources & an almost magic ability to vanish into the cleft rocks ensured the Nabateans remained unconquered for centuries.

The Romans arrived in 63 B.C., signaling a new era of massive expansion & grandiose construction, like the theater that sat more than 8,000 spectators, as well as some of the city’s most impressive facades.

Christianity came to Petra in the 3^rd & 4^th centuries & flourished, but the city waned after an A.D. 336 earthquake & under the early Islamic dynasties of the 7^th century.

Petra’s engineering phenomena are legion, including the sophisticated water system that supported some 30,000 inhabitants. Carved into the twisted passageway of the Siq, the irrigation channel drops only 12 feet over the course of a mile, while underground cisterns stored runoff to be used in drier times of the year.

The entire city of ruins is a work of art, painted on a natural stone backdrop that changes color every hour. The elegant Silk Tomb swirls with streaks of red, blue & ocher, while vivid mosaics still pave the floors of a Byzantine-era church. No wonder, it’s the raw beauty draws in so many millions of visitors.

There are more Nabataean attractions nearby at so-called Little Petra (only for those who have more time to explore).

A visit to Petra when it was rediscovered for the wider world by Johann in the 19^th century meant going in disguise, speaking in local dialect & engaging the trust of surrounding tribespeople. Today visitors are warmly welcomed both by the Bedouins who still relate to the ancient city as their ancestral home & the townspeople of neighbouring Wadi Musa whose facilities make visiting a pleasure.

Overnight.  B 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & proceed for a 4 hour tour.

A historical site like none other, Petra is also known as Sela in the Bible. It was lost to the world for 5 centuries until it was rediscovered in 1812.  Enter the ancient Nabatean Capital Petra on horse cart through a narrow gorge carved in the sandstone followed by a walk through the 1.2km Siq, a long narrow fissure between 2 narrow, 200m high walls & overhanging cliffs until you reach the Treasury.

Undeniably one of the highlights, the walk through this magical corridor, as it snakes its way towards the hidden city, is one full of anticipation for the wonders ahead - a point not wasted on the Nabataeans, who made the passage into a sacred way, punctuated with sites of spiritual significance. Many people charge through the Siq impatient to get to Petra. That is a pity because the corridor of stone is worth enjoying for its own sake & the longer you take to travel through it, the more you can savour the final moment of arrival.

The Siq starts at an obvious bridge, beside a modern dam. The Dam was built in 1963, on top of a Nabataean dam dated AD 50, to stop floodwater from Wadi Musa flowing through the Siq. To the right, Wadi Muthlim heads through a Nabataean tunnel – the start (or finish) of an exciting hike.

Technically, the Siq, is not a canyon (a gorge carved out by water), but a single block that has been rent apart by tectonic forces. At various points you can see where the grain of the rock on one side matches the other – it is easiest to spot when the Siq narrows to 2m. The original channels cut into the walls to bring water into Petra are visible & in some places the 2000 year-old terracotta pipes are still in place. A section of Roman paving was revealed after excavations in 1997 removed 2m of soil accumulation.

Some historians speculate that the primary function of the Siq was akin to the ancient Graeco-Roman Sacred Way. Some of the most important rituals of Petra’s spiritual life began as a procession through the narrow canyon, and it also represented the end point for Nabataean pilgrims. Many of the wall niches that are still visible today along the Siq’s walls were designed to hold figures or representations (called baetyls) of the main Nabataean god, Dushara. These small sacred sites served as touchstones of the sacred for pilgrims & priests, offering them a link to the more ornate temples, tombs & sanctuaries in the city’s heart, reminding them that they were leaving the outside world & on the threshold of what was for many a holy city.

Along the way, small tombs will start appearing. These were tombs of the middle class. Those with a sharp eye however, will be able to spot an unfinished tomb, one of several in Petra.

At one point the Siq opens out to reveal a 2 storey square Tomb next to a lone fig tree. This is the Obelisk tomb, named after the 4 Indian obelisks that decorate the top of the tomb. The top storey houses the tomb proper, while the bottom storey decorated in a more classical style, contains a traditional dining hall for Nabataean funnery rites.

A little further on, look for a weathered carving of a camel & caravan man on the left wall. The water channel passes behind the carving. Hereafter, the walls almost appear to meet overhead, shutting out the sound & light and helping to build the anticipation of a first glimpse of the Treasury. It’s a sublime introduction to the Ancient City.

Coming out at the other end, you will be rewarded with the most stunning view of the Treasury, made famous in the movie “Indiana Jones & the Temple Doom”. The Treasury sits between the gorges & the Nabateans had to come up with a way to control flash floods & sudden water surges that may potentially ruin the carved structure. They did this by constructing a series of dams made from stone blocks mortared together & anchored to carved out canyon groves.

The tour then proceeds to gradually unfold the mysteries of the red Rose City with its spectacular treasury, Royal Tombs (burial chambers) & high places of sacrifice.

You will see huge square cut rocks that mark out the boundaries of the sacred area of the city. There are over 20 of these massive stone monuments around Petra, marking the entrance to the sacred area of the city.

Explore Qasr Al Bint (Pharaoh's Castle) - a Mausoleum & a Temple actually.

One of the few free-standing structures in Petra, Qasr Al Bint was built in around 30 BCE by the Nabataeans. It was later adapted to the cult of Roman emperors & then destroyed around the 3^rd century CE. Despite the name given to it by the local Bedouin – Castle of the Pharaoh’s Daughter – the Temple originally dedicated to Nabataean gods was one of the most important in Petra.

It was 23m high & its features included marble staircases, imposing columns, a raised platform for worship, ornate plaster & stone reliefs - examples of which are housed in the display at the Petra Visitor Centre. The central ‘holy of holies’, known as an Adyton, would have housed an image of the deities. The sacrificial altar in front, once overlaid with marble, indicates that it was probably the main place of worship in the Nabataean city & its location at street level suggests that the whole precinct (& not just the temple interior) was considered sacred.

Pass through the Triumphal Arch, an archway-shaped construction credited to the Romans. In 106 CE, Petra was ruled by Emperor Trajan, who named the arch after himself to celebrate his victory. The entrance to the Siq was once marked by a Nabataean monumental arch. It survived until the end of the 19^th century & some remains can be seen at twin niches on either side of the entrance.

See the Amphitheatre, a giant semi-circular Nabataean theatre originally Hellenistic in design, that had the capacity to accommodate approximately 8,000 people (even more than the great theatre at Amman). Substantial part of the theater was carved out of solid rock into the side of the mountain at the foot of the High Place of Sacrifice, during the reign of King Aretas IV (4BC-AD27), while the scaena & exterior wall were constructed. 7 stairways ascend the Auditorium.

It was refurbished by the Romans after they annexed Nabatea in 106AD. The Theatre consists of 3 rows of seats separated by passageways. The Seating extended to the Orchestra's floor level, a typical Hellenistic design & the entire seating, except for the extreme ends was carved out of the mountain.

One whole street of facades was wiped out to form the Stage back wall. The holes seen in the back wall are the interiors of the Tombs destroyed when this was done. The Stage backdrop was built up in stone but this was destroyed in the earthquake of 363. Much work has been done to reconstruct the Stage area & the high back wall which would have sealed the Theatre from the street outside.

The last place you will visit in Petra's largest monument dating from the 1^st century BC - El-Deir. During the Christian era, this structure served as a Monastery dedicated to Obodas I. In reality, it was built before the Christian era & the Nabataean steps here are an evidence of its origin.

During clearing excavation work around the Petra Deir monuments in 1990-91, an inscription was discovered nearby. It referred to “the symposium of Obodas the God”. From this inscription, some Archeologists believe that the Deir was created as a meeting place for members of the cult of Obodas. Others feel that the Deir may have been a Tomb used by the family & descendants of Obodas.

The Deir carved deep into the side of the mountain is 40.2 meters wide. The entrance itself is 8 meters high. The huge main inside chamber is 11.5 meters by 10 meters & is lit only by light coming through the  doorway. On the far side there is a wide niche with steps leading up to it on either side & an arch over it. Apparently there was plaster on the walls here. The stairs seem to indicate that there was once an altar here, similar to Al Uzza & Dushares Temples. Later, Christian crosses were carved into the walls.

The huge area in front of the monument was leveled & this seems to have been used for great congregations of people. The surrounding hills form a great natural amphitheater. Not far from the Deir, along the left wall full of caves & cisterns is a carving showing 2 camels & men. Across from the Deir is a plastered niche in a cave, with a man standing beside an altar.

In time, depart for Amman.

Arrive by early evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions for “optional’ programs & make arrangements).

The day is still young (& Amman is completely safe).

If you are looking for a traditional & authentic shopping experience, then meandering through Downtown Amman’s markets & alleys is an excellent option. You will find a large selection of souvenir shops here, many located along Hashemi Street near the Roman Theatre. Don’t be afraid to haggle & take a look around the different stores until you find exactly what you want.

Try Souk Jara, an outdoor market with vendors selling local products. Chat with the vendors & artisans and shop for souvenirs, such as ceramics, spices, scarves & jewelry.

Or while in Rome, do as the Romans do. Turn local & explore the places, locals go to in the evenings or on the weekends.

Nightlife in Amman has expanded a great deal over the last few years! With a growing number of new bars & clubs in the capital city of Jordan, you can enjoy a great night out with your friends!

We recommend taking a look at The Duke's Diwan, Amman's oldest home with a tony history, which has become an iconic time capsule with its doors permanently open to artists & guests, located just a stones-throw from the bustling souks of downtown.    

Informal concerts & events take place in the 5 adjoining rooms & airy balcony, where easels are erected to signal the Diwan’s greater purpose. Throughout the residence, much of the original decor from the 1920’s has been restored, including a vintage radio, the original freestanding stove & period specific chairs. The walls are decorated with framed memorabilia of Haifa Hotel’s glory days when Amman was among the world’s most ancient newly-modern cities.

Check out Amman’s local music scene. Don’t be fooled by the fact that Amman music venues are few & far between – Jordan is home to some truly talented musicians. Tuesday nights at Rustic Bar & Eatery have fast become a favourite among local music lovers. Rustic’s sleek retrofit was executed thoughtfully to preserve the heritage & warmth of the historic building, making it a wholly modern & yet still uniquely Jordanian spot to catch some great local bands. Other popular spots for live music include Corner’s Pub, Maestro and Pit Stop.

Fans of all things Latin can often be found dancing the night away at Trader Vic’s. The Cuban house band sets the mood for tango night on Mondays and salsa night on Thursdays and Fridays. If you need a little help to boost your footwork, contact the staff & they will arrange lessons before the party gets rolling. It may seem random, but it is a fun & friendly crowd – and kind of a great story: ‘Oh, yeah, I picked up some salsa moves in Jordan.’

You can explore the extensive range of restaurants serving all popular international cuisines; just about everything from Italian to Mongolian. You may try the local food & there are a lot of good traditional restaurants to choose from, many of which also provide live entertainment.

Coffee shops, both traditional & modern, are popular meeting places, and seem to appear on almost every street. Also, because the Jordanian people are particularly fond of sweet things, there are many excellent Patisseries. Several international fast food chains are also represented in Amman.    

Overnight.  B 

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to the enchanting Kingdom of Jordan & go home. But, we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of this mystical country on your next visit.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Amman Queen Alia International Airport for your onward journey.  B

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