through Jordan's Hashemite Kingdom

DESCRIPTION:

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which once captivated ancient travelers, continues to enthrall as a modern, vibrant nation. Jordan is a land of contrasts; from the lush, palm-filled wadis to the lifeless Dead Sea; from the red sands of Wadi Rum to the deep blues of the Gulf of Aqaba; from the ancient city of Petra to modern Amman.

This journey travels along nearly the entire length of the country, following along the ancient King’s Highway. Start in the northern capital of Amman, where scents of cardamom coffee, highly scented water pipes, and sounds of Arabic pop are intermingled with call to prayer. Then head south along a most ancient route, following the King's Highway through multiple ecological zones, including forested highlands, open farmland plateaus, deep ravines, the eastern desert, and the warm tropical Gulf of Aqaba. Along the route, discover a rich chain of archaeological sites: prehistoric villages from the Stone Age, biblical towns, Crusader castles, some of the finest early Christian Byzantine mosaics in the Middle East, a Roman-Herodian fortress, several Nabataean temples, major Roman fortresses, early Islamic towns, and the rock-cut Nabataean capital of Petra – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Stray from the King’s Highway several times, notably to experience the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is famous for its rich cocktail of minerals and salts. Its surrounding mountains to the east, and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, infuse this area with an other-worldly beauty. In Wadi Rum, witness some of the most extraordinary desert scenery you will ever see. Made famous by T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”), Wadi Rum today fully retains its allure and majesty. A sunset jeep tour will reveal the land’s myriad moods and dramatic colors. Enjoy delicious meals and encounter a land full of courtesy and hospitality not to be forgotten. The hotels and resorts will offer generous comfort, and we have built in some free time to enjoy them.

CONSIDER:

You must be able to make long walks unassisted over uneven terrain and up and down steps. Also, it is possible to see Petra by candlelight on certain nights each week.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.

Please contact CuriOdyssey Travel for more details.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:

(March–May), when temperatures are toasty but not scorching, wildflowers are out everywhere (even the desert is carpeted), and the hills and valleys running down the center of the country are lush and gorgeously colorful. The worst of the rain is over by March, though it doesn’t entirely peter out in Amman and the hills until late April.