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

In the late morning drive north to Jerash, widely acknowledged to be the best-preserved Roman provincial city in the world. Highlights include the magnificent colonnaded street, the unique oval-shaped forum, the splendid Temple of Artemis and the Triumphal Arch of the Emperor Hadrian. Continue to the little visited city of Um Qais, once part of a series of 10 Middle Eastern cities that served Pompey’s empiric ambitions at the centre of the trade routes between Syria and the Palestine.

Venturing off the tourist trail, explore Jordan’s vibrant capital on foot, affording a fascinating view of the Hashemite Kingdom’s beating heart. This remarkable opportunity gives the chance to explore old Amman and the roots of its modern culture, interacting with local people and learning a little something of their daily lives and traditions. Later proceed to Iraq Al Amir (Caves of the Prince), to visit the Hellenistic palace of Qasr al-Abd, before returning to the capital to visit the Royal Automobile Museum and its extraordinary insight into the enduring reign of the late King Hussein.

A drive along the famed King’s Highway brings you 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 you via the biblical heights of Mount Nebo and the remarkable mosaics of Madaba, before taking lunch in the shadow of the imposing backdrop of the Crusader fortress of Kerak. Later this afternoon transfer to the Beit Zaman.

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 you. 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 your 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 has been left free to continue discovering Petra’s dazzling treasures at your own pace. A special entrance ticket valid for two days is included in the cost of your tour, so those wishing to return to the city may do so, but please be aware that today’s visit will be unguided.

Transferring to Wadi Rum enjoy an exciting jeep ride through this most serene of landscapes, before continuing on to the Dead Sea Panorama, where the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley and the West Bank lie in splendid magnificence before you. After enjoying the spectacular view, a glass of champagne and a glorious sunset, continue to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. (530 KM/approximately 8 hours including stops).

Free to enjoy the resort and excellent spa facilities.

Relax and enjoy the resort facilities.

Early morning transfer back to Amman (48 KM/approximately 1 hour) and fly on Royal Jordanian back to London Heathrow, arriving this afternoon.