Treasures of Jordan

Day 1- Fly Royal Jordanian to Amman from London Heathrow this afternoon (4 hours 30 minutes). On arrival transfer to the InterContinental.

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

Day 2- In the morning drive to the remains of Jerash. On your return to Amman enjoy a brief tour of the city and later have dinner at a former caravanserai.

Late this morning 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 you to the majestic Temple of Artemis and the Triumphal Arch of the Emperor Hadrian. Heading back to Amman you will have a brief tour of the city and later enjoy dinner at a former caravanserai.

Day 3- Travel to Petra taking in sights along the way. Stay at Beit Zaman Hotel and Resort.

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 Hotel and Resort.

Day 4- Tour of Petra, the 'Rose-Red City'.

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. In the evening (for a supplement of £45 per person) there is an option to cook and eat your own dinner at the innovative ‘Petra Kitchen’, learning the secrets of the Levant’s sumptuous cuisine and preparing your meal alongside local women, under the supervision of a trained chef. PRE-BOOKABLE OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: Petra Kitchen (Evening) - £45 (price takes into account unused dinner at the hotel).

Day 5- A day at leisure in Petra.

Today is free to explore at your leisure. You may like to revist Petra’s mystical ruins, or take an excursion 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, you may be able to enjoy an optional visit to Petra in order to view the majestic Treasury by candlelight.

Day 6- This morning drive to the Crusader castle at Shobak. Later continue to the Dead Sea and transfer to the Mövenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea).

This morning 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 (deluxe room).

Day 7- A day at leisure to enjoy the Dead Sea, the resort and its surroundings.

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.

Day 8- Transfer back to Amman for a Royal Jordanian flight to London Heathrow.

Transferring back to Amman early this morning (48 km/approximately 1 hour) you will fly Royal Jordanian to London Heathrow, arriving this afternoon.

Intercontinental Amman

The Intercontinental is located in the heart of the diplomatic area on the summit of one of Amman’s 7 hills. 450 rooms including a variety of 37 Suites and a Club Floor with 46 rooms offering great views over the city. All rooms are equipped with the latest communication technology, colour TV, mini bar and in-room safe. 24 hour room service. Laundry and valet service. The Interfit Spa offers a complete fitness centre equipped with all the latest state of the art facilities including jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, indoor lap pool, outdoor heated pool and sun deck. Choice of 7 restaurants to dine at.

Beit Zaman

Built around an 18th century village, Beit Zaman is located at the entrance of Petra's town of Wadi Mousa. All 129 rooms are tastefully and traditionally furnished with private bathrooms, a seating area, air-conditioning & heating as well as mini bar and satellite television. Additional facilities include a restaurant with 2 terraces overlooking the Petra rose mountain, an indoor swimming pool, handicraft souk and laundry service. The property is environmentally friendly and when it was being renovated, the Department of Antiquities uncovered an almost intact olive press that is believed to have dated from Roman times plus the remains of a Nabatean settlement and a large Roman pool, all of which add character and attraction to the property.

Movenpick Dead Sea Resort

The Movenpick Dead Sea Resort is a resort complex designed to resemble a traditional stone village, complete with extensive gardens. Each room has a private bathroom and its own terrace or balcony with a cushioned seat or hammock. There is a choice of 6 restaurants featuring a variety of cuisine, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a world-class health centre and spa and access to the Dead Sea.

Royal Jordanian - Business Class

Cost: from £ 1495

Seat pitch in Royal Jordanian's business class cabins vary according to aircraft type. The flagship of the fleet, the Airbus A340 long-haul aircraft, offers 83 inches of room and seats extend the full 180 degrees into a flat bed. In the short-haul fleet, Embraer 175s offer 40 inches of room, while Embraer 195s have 42 inches. The wide-bodied Airbus A310 gives 51 inches and the remaining Airbus fleet 46 inches. On the A340, seats feature armrest video screens with 14 video and eight audio choices. The cabin also has satellite phones. Only the Airbus A319, 320 and 321 offer AVOD entertainment systems. Service in the long-haul business cabin starts with Arabic coffee served on boarding. The full meal service includes a selection of starters and four choices of main course (beef, chicken, fish or a light choice). This is followed by cheese and a desert choice including Arabic ice cream.