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Overview :
Lets embark on an Indiana Jones Adventure in Jordan !
Adapted from Lonely Planet & Rough Guide Website :
A safe haven in a region of conflict, Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries with its World Heritage sites ( such as the ancient Nabatean city of Petra featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , and Wadi Rum of Lawrence of Arabia fame ) , friendly towns, archaelogical sites and inspiring desert landscapes. Jordan has a tradition of welcoming visitors: camel caravans plied the legendary King’s Highway transporting frankincense in exchange for spices while Nabataean tradesmen, Roman legionnaires, Muslim armies and zealous Crusaders all passed through the land, leaving behind impressive monuments. These monuments, including Roman amphitheatres, Crusader castles and Christian mosaics, have fascinated subsequent travellers in search of antiquity and the origins of faith. The tradition of hospitality to visitors remains to this day. it was in Jordan that Lot sought refuge from the fire and brimstone of the Lord; Moses, Aaron and John the Baptist all died in Jordan; and Jesus was almost certainly baptized here. Even the Prophet Muhammad passed through.
I have curated this 12 days / 11 nights trip over the Easter and Labour day holidays to cover all aspects of Jordanian landscapes , culture , history , natural landscapes and wildlife , archaelogical sites , and holy sites of relevance to the Christian , Jewish and Muslim traditions . Infuse it with an adventure spirit , enjoy this trip with a swim and spa experience at the Dead Sea , optional hikes at Dana Biosphere Reserve and Wadi Mujib National Park , optional Horse/Camel Riding at Wadi Rum , Stargazing in Wadi Rum / Feynan on a moonless night , Wadi Rum being one of the world's top stargazing spots , and be embraced by the warm hospitality of the Bedouins :)
We will stay in good quality 4 & 5 stars hotels and resorts , a special bedouin style camp and an award winning ecolodge for this trip !
Highlights :
Archaeological Sites : Petra , Little Petra , Umm Qais , Jerash .
Holy Land Sites : Jesus Baptism Site , Mount Nebo , Madaba , Machaerus , Umm - Ar Raasas
Castles : Aljoun Castle , Shobak Castle , Kerak Castle , Eastern Desert Castles
Deserts : Wadi Rum .
Dead Sea - Swimming , Mud Spa .
Wildlife and Nature Reserves : Shaumari Reserve , Azraq Wetlands , Wadib Mujib Nature Reserve - Siq Trail Hike , Hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve .
Red Sea Snorkelling
Cities : Amman , Aqaba , Madaba .
Bedouin Camps , Camel Rides , Horse Riding , Jordanian Cuisine .
References :
http://www.seetheholyland.net/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_pilgrimage_sites
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-9th-safest-country-worldwide-2nd-among-arab-states
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_Jordan
A common style of Jordanian Food : Metzes , a selection of small dishes served to accompany alcoholic drinks .
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordanian_cuisine#/media/File:Petra_metzes.jpg
Itinerary :
19 Apr 19 ( Day 1 - Fri ) - Depart Singapore for Amman .
20 Apr 19 (Day 2 - Sat) - Arrive Amman 9 am . Full Day Tour of Amman . Overnight Amman Corp Hotel .
We drive to Jordan's capital Amman, to visit the Citadel with the remains of the Umayyad Palace and the Hercules Temple as well as the Archaeological Museum with its excellent collection and the Museum of Popular Traditions . In downtown we see the Roman Theatre from 2nd century and the traditional souks. We continue on to visit one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods, Jabal al-Weibdeh, passing by several art galleries, like Darat Al-Funun and Dar Al-Anda, museums, and local antiquities and handcraft shops, also stop on the way in one of the café’s for a cup of tea.Then we stroll in Jabal Amman with its 19th century houses, in one of them the late King Hussein had been born , walk in the famous rainbow street and ending the walk with a visit to Wild Jordan, a division of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. Overnight Amman Corp Hotel . 
Roman Aphitheatre , Amman . Photo Credit : Producer . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amman_Roman_Amphitheatre.jpg
21 Apr 19 (Day 3 - Sun) - Amman - Northern Jordan Highlights : Umm Qais – Jerash – Ajloun Castle - Amman . Overnight Amman Corp Hotel .
Morning time we drive two hours from Amman to Gadara (Umm Qais), which belonged to the famous Decapolis, a union of 10 cities, founded by Alexander the Great. Here you have an overwhelming view over the north Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. We leave to Jerash, the best example of a Roman provincial city in the whole Middle East. Visit the spectacular forum, Roman colonnaded street, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. Next stop is Ajloun the great 12th century Islamic castle built around 1184/85 by the famous Islamic leader Salah al-Din. Back to Amman . Overnight Amman Corp Hotel .
The Oval Forum in Jerash . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Place_ovale_de_Gerasa_new.JPG
Aljoun Castle . Photo Credits : David Stanley . https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidstanleytravel/3619224240322 Apr 19 (Day 4 - Mon ) - Amman - Eastern Jordan : Eastern Desert Castles - Shaumari Reserve - Azraq Wetlands - Amman . Overnight Amman Corp Hotel .
After breakfast, visit three of the Desert Castles in eastern Jordan. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Amra Castle with early examples of Omayyad fresco paintings, Qasr Kharanah and the black basalt fort in Azraq where Lawrence of Arabia stayed. We then head to Shaumani Wildlife Reserve where one can observe herds of Arabian Oryx , desert gazelles , ostriches and onagers . In the area you find also a rich variety of desert plants, mainly because the vegetation inside the reserve is protected from the grazing of sheep and goats. We end the day's program to Azraq Oasis is a unique wetland reserve popular for bird watching with a seasonally flooded marshland and several natural and ancient buillt pools. Back to Amman . Overnight Amman Corp Hotel .
Eastern Desert Castle , Qars Kharana . Photo Credit : High Contrast . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_desert_castle_Qasr_Kharana_in_Jordan.JPG
Arabian Oryx . Photo Credit : Charlesjsharp https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arabian_oryx_(oryx_leucoryx).jpg
King Hussein Mosque Madaba . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:King_Hussein_Mosque_Madaba.JPG
Byzantine Floor Mosaic at St George Church , Madaba . Photo Credit : Deror Avi https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_floor_mosaic_map_at_St._George_Church_Madaba_P1090105.JPG
Mount Nebo . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Nebo_BW_4.JPG
Jesus Baptism Site . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jordan_Baptism_site_BW_8.JPG24 Apr 19 (Day 6 - Wed ) - Dead Sea - Optional Trek : Wadi Mujib Siq Trail - Umm Ar Rassas - Dead Sea . Overnight Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea .
Depart from our hotel in Dead Sea and drive to Wadi Mujib for a refreshing hike along the side of Kings Highway. The trail starts at the visitor center near the Mujib Bridge, where we will take the cantilevered walkway over the dam and follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. This Wadi includes some dramatic wild mountain scenery. A beautiful black basaltic canyon filled with narrow gorges and fresh natural pools. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels, the gorge may contain pools deep enough for swimming. The Siq trail will take between 2-3 hours. Please note we will need to swim in parts, so please wear shoes and clothes you are happy to get wet in, we recommend tough trainers. If you want to bring a camera or wallet etc. on this day, please bring waterproof or ziplock bags. Later on this day we will Visit Umm Ar-Rasas Castle a UNESCO site which contains remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD) and a fortified Roman military camp. Then drive back to the Dead Sea. Overnight Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea .
(Wadi Mujib hike is optional. Participants should be above 18 years of age , able to swim and be physically fit for the hike . Guests can choose to stay at the Dead Sea resort in the morning and relax instead . Please see these video to get an idea of the hike : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcIc6Z2a_xw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FugPqn0v0co&t=906s
Siq Trail , Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve
25 Apr 19 (Day 7 - Thu ) - Dead Sea half day relaxation & spa am . Pm : Machaerus - Dead Sea Panoramic Complex & Museum - Arrive Feynan Ecolodge ( Dana Biosphere Reserve ) - Sunset Hike . Stargazing . Overnight Feynan Ecolodge .
Breakfast & morning leisure. Time to enjoy a dip in the dead sea and go for a dead sea mud spa experience ! In the afternoon , we visit Mukawir, the location of the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. It lies less than 20 km (12 miles) southwest of Madaba at the King's Highway on a stark promontory (720 m), overlooking the Dead Sea and protected on three sides by deep ravines. Continue to Dead Sea Panorama Complex to visit the Dead Sea Museum and have a beautiful panoramic view of the Dead Sea.
Proceed to Dana Biosphere. The reserve, Jordan’s largest, includes four distinct bio-geographical zones, which means that Dana supports an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals. On your way down the valley you’re likely to see Griffin Vultures overhead as well as hyrax and copper-blue lizards on the rocks. We arrive at the award winning Feynan Ecolodge , hailed as one of the best 25 ecolodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine .This solar powered lodge offers the most developed eco-experience in Jordan. Enjoy a sunset hike through Feynan area and star gazing experience organised by Feynan Ecolodge . Overnight Feynan Ecolodge .
https://ecohotels.me/Feynan
Dead Sea Salt . Photo Credit : Israel_photo_gallery https://www.flickr.com/photos/israelphotogallery/15062274265
Hilltop Fortress of Machaerus , established by Herod the Great , where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. 26 Apr 19 (Day 8 - Fri ) - Full Day of Activities with Feynan Ecolodge at Dana Biosphere Reserve . Depart For Aqaba . Overnight Aqaba.
Today , immerse yourself with a full range of activities organised by Feynan Ecolodge . You can choose to do a few hours / half day / full day hike or canyoneering activities to explore the surroundings of Dana Biosphere Reserve , bike , spend a day with the local sphepherds , immerse yourself in an authentic bedouin experience or take up a cooking class or just relax at the lodge . https://ecohotels.me/en/feynan/activities . We drive to Aqaba in the evening . Overnight at Marina Plaza , Tala Bay , Aqaba . 
Copper Blue Lizard . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pseudotrapelus_sinaitus_Jordan_Petra.JP
Dana Biosphere Reserve . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dana_Nature_Reserve,_May_2010.jpg
Wadi Ghuweir Trail to Feynan Ecolodge , one of the many activities possible offered at Feynan Ecolodge. Photo Source : hikinginjordan https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:18_Wadi_Ghuweir_Trail_to_Feynan_-_In_the_Oasis_-_panoramio.jpg
27 Apr 19 (Day 9 - Sat) - Aqaba - Half day Snorkelling , Red Sea . Aqaba City Tour Pm . Drive to Wadi Rum . Overnight Wadi Rum . Rahayeb Desert Camp .
A day to enjoy Jordan’s window to the Red Sea. Aqaba brings a refreshing variation to the sands of Wadi Rum and Petra. We spend the morning swimming / snorkelling along the aqaba coast , admire the world-renowned red sea multi-colored coral reefs, fish and wildlife under the clear blue water or relaxing at the resort . In the afternoon , we tour aqaba town , exploring the markets , fortress and museum in the area . Continue to Wadi Rum, and enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins under the stars. Dinner and overnight in Rahayeb Desert Camp . 
Aqaba . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:K._Hussein_St.,_Aqaba,_Jordan_-_panoramio_(1).jpg
Red Sea . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cairo_and_Red_Sea_twin_centre_holidays_-_panoramio.jpg
28 Apr 19 (Day 10 - Sun ) - Full Day Wadi Rum . Overnight Rahayeb Desert Camp .
After breakfast, we will have a 4-Hour jeep safari exploring this World Heritage Site, traveling around Wadi Rum’s valleys, canyons, dunes and deserts, discover rock inscriptions, majestic views of mountains and landscapes and narrow gorges. At each stop you have the opportunity to hike and scramble and explore in your own time. We enjoy a simple lunch cooked in the desert in the shade of the mountains. In the afternoon we can choose to do a camel ride / horse ride / hike in the desert, we will walk through the narrow valleys and canyons so as to enjoy a walk through the beautiful landscapes of Wadi Rum. Optional Star gazing tour over Bedouin Tea made with firewood at night . Overnight in Rahayeb desert camp . 
Wadi Rum : Photo Credit : Lawrence Murray https://www.flickr.com/photos/lawmurray/18769620491
Wadi Rum . Photo Credit : Luciano https://www.flickr.com/photos/30208099@N00/5680679449
Petra by Night Tour . Night View of the Treasury . Photo Credit : Sylvain . L https://www.flickr.com/photos/slaioo/14764188248
The Treasury , Petra . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petra,_Jordan_-The_Treasury.JPG
Amphitheatre , Petra . Photocredit : Dennis Jarvis . https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/2216858111
Nabathean Royal Tombs , Petra . Photo Credit : Dan . https://www.flickr.com/photos/twiga_swala/2258468891
1 May 19 (Day 13 - Wed ) - Petra - Kings Highway - Shobak Castle - Kerak Castle - Amman - Arrive Airport at 7pm for flight home
Today , we depart from Petra and drive to Shobak Castle . We shall explore the towers and walls of the castle decorated with carved inscrpitions dating from 14th century Mameluke renovations . The castle is perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain , looking out over fruit trees . Afterwards , proceed to the ancient crusader castle in kerak , exploring the maze of stone-vaulted halls and passageways . The city of Kerak was the capital of Moab and the castle dominates the skyline . It provides an impressive insight into the architectural and military skills of the crusaders . Return to Amman for some last minute shopping and dinner and finally to the airport for our flight home . 
Kerak Castle . https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karak_Castle_Jordan1114.jpg
2 May 19 ( Day 14 - Thu ) / 3 May 19 ( Day 15 - Fri ) - Depending on which flight you take and duration of transit - Arrive Singapore .
Price :
11-16 pax : USD 2230
I have used USD$1 to SGD$1.37 to estimate the trip cost, I will refund the difference if Singapore dollars appreciates against US dollars during the time of bank exchange and you will have to top up the equivalent Singapore dollars if Singapore dollars depreciates.
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