From Secret of the Middle East

Amman - Jerash

After breakfast visit the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, one of the largest and best preserved in
outside Rome. From the southern amphitheater and the Temple of Artemis you can enjoy excellent views of everything
the site like the Square, the temples, and other ruins.
Lunch at Beit Khirat Souf, a community of women prepares local cuisine for you.
Return to Amman and visit the citadel. Located on one of the highest mountains this site offers views
impressive on the old town of Amman. Also visit the Roman amphitheater, the museum
archaeological site and the museum of popular traditions. Finally, visit the King Abdallah I Mosque. Built
between 1982 and 1989 it became the symbol of the city. The mosque is crowned by a dome of
magnificent blue mosaics.
Overnight in Amman.
3/13
- English-speaking guide (duration 1 hour) in Jerash

This day contains:
✓ Breakfast
Accommodation

Ajloun Castle - Ajloun Reserve

Today we are going to discover Ajlun!
You will start with a visit to the famous Ajlun Castle, one of the finest examples of architecture
12th century Islam. After taking advantage of the superb view offered by the fortress over the valley of the
Jourdain, you will reach your chalet in the middle of nature where the watchwords are tranquility and rest, far from
the hustle and bustle of the cities, a breath of fresh air on the outskirts of the Jordan Valley.
We then leave for a walk in the Ajlun nature reserve.
The Ajlun region is very rich in history, due to its mild climate, dense forests and soil
fertile. This rich history is reflected in the numerous archaeological ruins scattered throughout the woods and
surrounding villages. The reserve itself is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife and is
a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. In spring, the reserve is a carpet of flowers
wild, including drifts of anemones and rosebushes.
Return to Amman.
Overnight in Amman.
- Total distance of the day: 60 km
- Total transport time: 2

Desert Castles – Shaumari Reserve

This morning, discovery of the Desert Castles. Magnificent examples of early-century architecture and art
the Islamic era, the castles of the desert bear witness to a fascinating era inscribed in the rich history of the
country. The refinement of their mosaics, frescoes, illustrations and stone carvings
and on stucco, in the pure Persian and Greco-Roman tradition, give us a glimpse of the way of life in the 8th
century.
In the afternoon, we leave to discover the animals of the desert within the reserve of Shaumari.
Join the Oryx Safari in Shaumari Wildlife Reserve for a fun-filled unique experience for
the whole family. Shaumari Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the endangered Arabian oryx and Persian onager
extinction review. The reserve is also home to desert gazelles, striped hyenas, jackals,
wolves, foxes and a wide range of wild animals. On the Oryx Safari Trail you will see these creatures
majestic in their natural environment while learning interesting aspects of behavior
of each animal.
Overnight in Amman.
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast
Accommodation

Madaba-Nebo-Karak-Dana

Depart for Petra via part of the Kings Road linking Aqaba to Amman. Madaba visit,
5/13
biblical site gathering 14 Byzantine churches. Visit of the Saint-Georges church, famous for its 6th century mosaic
century representing the oldest map of Palestine and Jerusalem.
Continuation to Mount Nebo to appreciate the panorama of the Jordan Valley and the memorial of Moses,
with its beautifully preserved Byzantine frescoes.
Visit of the fortress of Karak which one discovers, majestic, arriving from the north by the Road of the Kings.
Built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful vestiges of the time
Middle Eastern medieval.

Hiking in Feynan, Little Petra

This morning, hike to discover the Archaeological Treasures:
Discover the remarkable history of Feynan through the many archaeological treasures that dot the
landscape surrounding the lodge. The well-preserved Roman ruins include an aqueduct and a mill. THE
remains of an ancient Byzantine monastery and church still stand on top of a nearby hill and
the remains of Neolithic settlements testify to the transition from a nomadic way of life to that of the
permanent dwellings and agriculture.
Then we take the road to Little Petra. 2000 years ago, the Nabataeans had chosen this site to
make a natural caravanserai and lodge the rich caravanners coming from the four corners of the world.
Overnight in Petra.
- Local guide in the Feynan hike (duration 2 to 3 hours)
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast
Accommodation

First visit  in Petra

Today, you start a hike on a little frequented path, towards the peaks to enjoy
views of Wadi Araba and Mount Aaron.
Then, you arrive near the spectacular monastery (Al-Deir). You will then take the direction of the city
Lower to reach the Qasr al-Bint, the Great Temple, the Byzantine Church and the Royal Tombs.
At the end of the day, you leave the site via Wadi Al-Moudlm, a wild canyon with very little traffic.
Dinner with a Bedouin family from the Bedul tribe, originally from Petra.
Overnight in Petra.
- Bedouin guide during the visit to Petra
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast  ✓ Dinner

Accommodation

Second visit  in Petra

Visit from the main entrance of the City, then cross the famous Siq which leads to the Treasury of
Petra: El Khazneh, a majestic facade carved into the rock.
You continue your hike by the street of the facades, dominated by the imposing Djebel Al-Khubtha where are
nested tombs and dwellings.
Then you will arrive in front of the Greco-Roman amphitheater, to finally continue your way towards the
High Place of Sacrifice, a peak leveled by the Nabataeans. Take a moment to admire the view

panoramic it offers you.
Overnight in Petra.
- Free visit to the site of Petra
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast
Accommodation

Discovery of the Wadi-Rum desert

This morning, drive to the Wadi Rum desert. If Petra is the result of the work of man combined with that of
nature, the cliffs, peaks and valleys of Wadi Rum owe their "serene beauty" and
their "overwhelming"

A hike in Wadi Rum

On the program for this day: immersion in the heart of the lunar landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert. On the way,
discovery of Umm Fruth, the small arch which rises about fifteen meters from the ground and which you can
even cross on foot!
Far from the tourist crowd, you continue your advance in the Jordanian desert by the south, passing by
two valleys with superb white sands and rocks streaked with blue, pink and white (Umm Muqur, then the
Wadi Nuqra). Lunch during the visit.
Activity of the day:
- Hike in the Wadi Rum desert
Transport of the day: 4×4 and walk (about 5 hours)
Overnight in the Wadi Rum desert.
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast  ✓ Lunch  ✓ Dinner
Accommodation

Wadi Rum-Aqaba

Today we leave the desert of Wadi Rum towards the Red Sea. Small port town which is home to
one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. Possibility of snorkelling on one of the beaches of the
region.
Overnight in Aqaba
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast

Accommodation

Aqaba, Dead Sea

Distance 320km
Departure to the Dead Sea through the Wadi-Araba desert which marks the border between Jordan and
Palestine. We will discover the gorge of Wadi Al-Mujib before reaching our hotel by the sea.
In the afternoon, enjoy a floating experience in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, or for a moment
rest by the pool. You will also have the possibility of benefiting from “spa” treatments.
Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea.
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast  ✓ Dinner
Accommodation

The Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib, Amman

The adventure continues in Wadi Mujib, a natural canyon in which you slide in its turquoise water.
10/13
Sports enthusiasts will be particularly seduced by this atypical place combining hiking, swimming and
escalation. The Wadi Mujib reserve offers many hiking possibilities adapted to the tastes of
each.
Siq Trail Hike, Level 1.
Then, return to Amman.
Overnight in Amman.
This day contains:
✓ Breakfast
Accommodation

End of your cultural immersion in Jordan

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and assistance with departure formalities. This day contains: ✓ Breakfast