Jordan: Kingdom of Time

After breakfast, departure for the ancient city of Umm Qais, a Roman jewel perched on a hilltop offering spectacular views of the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. This emblematic site is known for the miracle of the Gadarene swine, accomplished by Jesus. A former renowned cultural center, Umm Qais gave birth to several poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of Rome's school of rhetoric. It was once nicknamed the "new Athens" by a poet of that era.

Continuing the exploration with a visit to Jerash, also called Gerasa, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Near East and Jordanie's second must-see archaeological site after Petra. Founded over 6,500 years ago, it came under Roman rule in 63 BC and prospered in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

Today, Jerash stands out for its exceptional Roman urbanism: paved streets lined with colonnades, majestic temples, ancient theaters, thermal baths, fountains and fortified walls with towers and monumental gates. Built in rose-orange limestone, the city reveals all its splendor in the light of dawn and sunset.

Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this city during a private 2-hour visit.

After this immersion in antiquity, enjoy an authentic lunch with a local family, in the heart of nature, for a unique culinary and cultural experience.

Return to Amman at the end of the day and night at your hotel.

After breakfast, departure for an immersive day in As-Salt, the former capital of Jordanie during the Ottoman period. This city, known for its interreligious harmony, offers a unique atmosphere where churches and mosques coexist in perfect symbiosis.

Begin your exploration on the harmony trail, where traditional architecture reveals Islamic and Christian symbols blending elegantly on old houses and places of worship.

As-Salt Historical Museum – Abu Jaber House

Visit one of the most beautiful historic houses in As-Salt, a sumptuous mansion built between 1887 and 1905, representing the city's golden age. Transformed into a museum in 2010, it traces the region's history through period objects and fascinating anecdotes.

The English Complex

Founded in 1849, this complex housed the first school and first hospital in Jordanie, as well as a church and educational center. It played a major role during the world wars and Palestinian revolutions.

Lunch at Fatmeh Al-Zoubi

Spend a few hours at Fatmeh's home, in a house dating back nearly a century, where you will enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Discover the art of the coffee ritual and try the khalaga, the traditional dress of As-Salt.

Walk along Al Hammam Street

Stroll down this lively street, famous for its artisanal shops and historic architecture. Its name comes from an old Turkish bath from the 19th century.

Return to Amman and visit the capital

Head back to Amman, Jordanie's dynamic capital, formerly called Philadelphia. Between historical heritage and modernity, this city perfectly reflects the contrast between past and present.

The Citadel (Jabal Al-Qala'a)

Perched on the city's highest hill, the Citadel offers a spectacular panoramic view over Amman and reveals fascinating ancient remains.

The Roman Theatre

This architectural masterpiece, dating from the 2nd century, could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators and remains one of Amman's most impressive monuments.

Optional stroll through downtown

Depending on available time, enjoy a walk through the bustling streets of downtown, between traditional markets, trendy cafés and local shops.

Return to your hotel in Amman for the night.

Discovery of Madaba, the city of mosaics

After breakfast, departure towards the Kings Highway to visit Madaba, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. This city, which once had 14 churches, housed a renowned school of mosaicists whose art reached its peak in the 5th and 6th centuries.

Visit to the Church of Saint George, home to the famous "Map of Palestine", a 6th-century mosaic discovered in 1898. Originally measuring 25 meters by 5 meters and composed of two million tesserae, it represents the geography of the Byzantine Near East.

Mosaic workshop

Mosaic is an integral part of Jordanian culture. Take advantage of an artistic immersion by participating in a workshop where local artisans will introduce you to this ancestral art

Mount Nebo, in the footsteps of Moses

10 km northwest of Madaba, climb to Mount Nebo (840 m), the presumed site of Moses' tomb. According to biblical tradition (Deuteronomy 34:1, 4-5), it was from this summit that Moses beheld the Promised Land before his death. This place became an important pilgrimage site from the beginning of the Christian era.

Then head to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, 400 meters below sea level. Enjoy a moment of relaxation on an equipped private beach (swimming pools, showers, cabins, restaurant/cafés).

Let yourself be amazed by a unique experience: floating effortlessly thanks to exceptional salinity, nine times higher than seawater. Treat yourself to a therapeutic mud bath and let the magic work.

Dinner and night at the Dead Sea

After breakfast, departure for the Karak Fortress, one of the most emblematic monuments in Jordan. The castle, which dominates the city of Karak, is renowned for its impregnable character. Located 124 km south of Amman, this fortress was built in 1142 by Payen the Butler, lord of Montreal and the province of Transjordan, on the remains of citadels dating from the Nabataean era. Payen chose Karak as the new capital of the province, because of its strategic location on the King's Highway, allowing control of traffic between north and south. Former Crusader fortress in Transjordan, Karak Castle was the scene of numerous sieges and battles.

Optionally, you will have the opportunity to stop at a local restaurant and discover the traditional making of Jameed, an essential ingredient of the Jordanian national dish, Mansaf. You will visit Beit Al Jameed in Al-Karak, a place that preserves the traditional methods of Jameed production, for an authentic experience in this welcoming city.

At the end of the day, arrival at the hotel in Dana for the night.

The Dana Nature Reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers and wilderness enthusiasts. Its arid appearance conceals great biodiversity. From the Rift Valley to the desert expanses of Wadi Araba, steep mountains and valleys succeed one another, harboring exceptional fauna and flora. Ancient rock paintings testify to the very early settlement of the region.

After breakfast, you will take a guided hike of approximately 2-3 hours through the reserve, accompanied by a light meal.

It's time to head back south. You stop a short distance north of Petra to visit the Shobak fortress, built in the early 12th century, during the time of the Crusades, by the King of Jerusalem Baldwin I. Also called Krak de Mont Real, its position overlooking the Arabah Valley made it a strategic location for controlling trade routes between Egypt, Arabia and the Red Sea.

The day ends with your arrival at Petra for dinner and the night.

After breakfast, you will start the day by visiting Little Petra, located 8 km north of Petra. The Siq al-Barid archaeological park, also called Little Petra, is filled with Nabataean ruins. This site is an important stop on the route to Petra and is distinguished by its narrow 400-meter canyon, the Siq, which opens between red sandstone rocks. On site, you will discover a temple-tomb and four tricliniums, the guest chambers where Bedouin merchants made stops. Little Petra, founded in the 1st century BC, was part of the great city of Petra, but was dedicated to residential and commercial dwellings rather than temples or royal necropolises.

Route to the Wadi Rum desert

Continuation toward Wadi Rum, a majestic desert where nature has sculpted cliffs, peaks and valleys of breathtaking beauty. Unlike Petra, shaped by man and nature, Wadi Rum owes all its splendor to its unique rock formations.

T. E. Lawrence described this desert as "vast, resonant with echoes and marked by the presence of the divine", a dreamlike landscape where absolute silence reigns. This emblematic site of the Great Arab Revolt was immortalized on film in Lawrence of Arabia by David Lean.

Exploration by 4x4 in the desert

You will depart on a 3-hour jeep 4x4 excursion through various desert sites such as Um-Ishrin, Wadi Um Ishrin, Mushroom Rock, the small Siq (Siq Um Al-Tawaqi) and the Umm-Fruth rock bridge.

Optional: depending on available time, you can also enjoy a one-hour camel ride in the desert.

Lunch and night in a Bedouin camp

At the end of the day, you will admire the sunset before enjoying a magical evening in a Bedouin camp. You will spend the night in a deluxe Bedouin tent and savor a traditional typical dinner.

After breakfast, weather permitting, you will have the opportunity, as an optional activity, to fly over Wadi Rum by hot air balloon. This unique experience will offer you breathtaking views of the spectacular desert landscapes at sunrise, for a one-hour flight.

Then, you will head towards Aqaba, Jordanie's window onto the Red Sea. You will have three hours of free time to enjoy the city, whether to relax on the beach, explore local markets or savour the region's specialties.

In the late afternoon, you will head back to Amman, where you will arrive for dinner and spend the night at the hotel.