Fly Royal Jordanian to Amman from London Heathrow this afternoon (4 hours 30 minutes). On arrival transfer to Le Meridien Hotel.

Late this morning we drive north, to the superbly preserved remains of Jerash, widely believed to be the best example of a provincial Roman city anywhere in the world. A superb collection of marble colonnaded streets lead us to the majestic Temple of Artemis and the Triumphal Arch of the Emperor Hadrian. Heading back to Amman we have a brief tour of the city and later enjoy dinner at a former caravanserai.

A drive along the famed King’s Highway brings us to Petra today, a highlight of any visit to this region (306 KM/approximately 9 hours including stops). One of the oldest trade routes in the world, this enjoyable journey takes us via the remarkable mosaics of Madaba and Umm er-Rasas (please see note below), before taking lunch in the shadow of the imposing backdrop of the Crusader fortress of Kerak. Visit ‘Little Petra’ and later this afternoon we transfer to the Mövenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel (or similar). Please note: The main road to Umm er-Rasas is closed from October 2007 until further notice due to maintenance work. Whilst there are other roads that access this area, these alternative routes add a considerable about of time to the journey and should the access remain difficult to this site, it will not be included on your departure. We have also been advised that Mount Nebo (originally included on this day) will be closed from 26 December 2007 to 24 December 2008. Therefore, this sightseeing will be replaced by a visit to ‘Little Petra’.

Lost for centuries before its dramatic discovery in 1812, Petra, the ‘Rose-Red City’, was the ancient stronghold of the Nabateans, who dominated the caravan routes throughout this region for four centuries. Approaching the city through the Siq, its famous narrow gorge of towering sandstone walls, Petra and its majestic Treasury open up before us. There is little that can prepare the visitor for the first glimpse of this unique city, surely one of the most remarkable and inspiring of all ancient sites. A guided tour of the city this morning takes in its colonnaded streets and royal tombs and visits its spectacular theatre, where its 8,000 seats are carved from the very rock. After our morning guided tour, you are free to return to the hotel, or to stay longer to visit the mysterious High Place of Sacrifice, or the magnificent Monastery - for many people the most spectacular of Petra’s numerous monuments.

Today is free to explore at your leisure. You may like to revist Petra’s mystical ruins, or take a trip out to the surreal landscapes of Wadi Rum, one of Jordan’s most breathtaking settings. Steeped in the legends of Lawrence of Arabia, this is another world of sandstone mountains and endless glowing dunes, whose deserts are home to the Bedouin and whose haunting majesty has captivated travellers for centuries. This evening, weather permitting, we may be able to enjoy an optional visit to Petra in order to view the majestic Treasury by candlelight

This morning we drive to the Crusader castle at Shobak, another of Baldwin’s chain of fortresses built to protect the road from Damascus. Crowning the summit of a rocky cone to the north of Petra, this imposing edifice finally fell to Saladin in 1189 (indeed some Arabic graffiti from that period can still be found on its crumbling walls). Continue to the Dead Sea (330 KM/approximately 4 hours), the lowest point on the face of the earth at 398 metres below sea level. Transfer to the Mövenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea.

With a day at leisure in this most unique of resorts you can make use of the restorative powers of this spectacular setting, famed since biblical times for its therapeutic treatments and its mineral rich waters. Indulge yourself at the resorts luxurious spa, with a range of packages available.

Transferring back to Amman early this morning (48 KM/approximately 1 hour) we fly Royal Jordanian back to London Heathrow, arriving this afternoon. (B) Alternatively you may extend your stay at the Dead Sea. Prices vary according to departure date, starting at £65 per person per night (twin share), please ask for details.