9D8N Jordan in Depth

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Upon arrival at Amman Airport, guests will receive a warm welcome and assistance of any other needs (Visa). They will then be transferred to their hotel in Amman. After checking in, guests can enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel before settling in for an overnight stay in comfortable accommodations. </span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to visit the tomb of Bilal ibn Rabah. Located in the village of Bilal in Wadi Essair, a suburb of Amman, this modern building protects the tomb of the esteemed companion Bilal ibn Rabah. Despite being a slave, Bilal embraced Islam, which led to severe persecution by his master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, who subjected him to extreme torture to force him to renounce his faith. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next, explore the Desert Castles in the eastern desert of Jordan. Visit the Qasr Amra baths, renowned for their fresco art and zodiac dome, the fortress-like Qasr Karana, and the black basalt fort of Azraq, which features Roman and medieval Islamic architecture. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proceed to the Sahabi Tree, a 1,500-year-old tree situated on the historic trade route between Mecca and Damascus. Legend has it that the young Muhammad, traveling with his uncle Abu Talib, rested under this tree at age 12, where the monk Bahira prophesied his future prophethood. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Return to Amman for prayers at King Abdullah Mosque. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night at the hotel in Amman.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Start with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Mt. Nebo, believed to be the burial site of Moses. The site offers panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, and features a structure built by Franciscans that protects Byzantine church ruins from the 4th and 6th centuries. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next, drive to Madaba to explore its famed mosaics, including the oldest map of the Holy Land located in Saint George’s Church. Continue to the Seven Sleepers Cave, a site linked to a legend of seven Christian boys who slept for 309 years to escape Roman persecution. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Afterward, visit the shrine of Prophet Shu’ayb (Jethro) in Wadi Shu’ayb. This site, within a modern mosque, commemorates the Midianite father-in-law of Moses and his role in advocating monotheism. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proceed north to the Jordan Valley to visit the tombs of Prophet Muhammad’s esteemed companions and military leaders. Pay respects at the tombs of Abu Ubeida Amer ibn Al-Jarrah, a key figure in early Islamic history and a prominent general, and Shurahbil ibn Hasanah, known for his contributions to the conquest of Greater Syria and Jerusalem. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Return to Amman for dinner and overnight at the hotel.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After breakfast at the hotel, transfer north from Amman for a 45-minute drive to Jerash, an exceptional example of Roman civilization. Known as the “Pompeii of the East,” Jerash boasts well-preserved theaters, temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis, a Nymphaeum, and colonnaded streets that offer a glimpse into ancient urban life. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Next, visit Ajlun, where you’ll explore the 12th-century Saracen Castle built by Saladin during his campaign against the Crusaders. This castle exemplifies Arab/Islamic military architecture. Also included is a visit to the Ajloun Great Mosque, reflecting the region’s rich Islamic heritage. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Return to Amman and begin your city tour with a stop at the Shrine of ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf, a prominent companion of Prophet Muhammad known for his significant contributions and promises of Paradise in Sunni tradition. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Amman city tour will cover the historical and modern aspects of the capital, including the Citadel, the Roman amphitheater, various museums, vibrant souks, and the contemporary parts of town. A prayer stop at King Hussein Mosque will also be included. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Due to time constraints, some planned visits, including the shrine and a modern mosque with a cave, will be omitted. Finish the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel in Amman.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, travel south to Mutaa, the site of the pivotal Battle of Mutaa (629 AD). This significant battle, fought against a Byzantine/Ghassanid army, saw the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad’s close companions: </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zaid ibn Harithah, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, and Abdullah ibn Ruwahah</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. At Al-Mazar Al-Janubi, near Kerak, visit their tombs and pay respects at the Shrine of Zaid ibn Ali ibn Al-Hussein, a revered figure in Islamic history. Explore </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jafaar Mosque</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and the </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mazar Islamic Museum </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">to gain further insight into the region’s heritage. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Proceed to the </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crusader castle</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> at Kerak, a formidable 12th-century fortress renowned for its well-preserved architecture, including galleries, towers, and chapels. The castle offers a glimpse into the Crusader era’s military ingenuity. Conclude the day with a transfer to Petra, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel, setting the stage for further exploration of this iconic site.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey through Petra, one of the world’s most famous ancient sites. Discover the majestic rock-cut city, where each rose-red stone holds a piece of Nabatean history. Explore the architectural marvels and spiritual significance of Petra, known for its dramatic cliffs and elaborate structures. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Continue to Little Petra (Al-Beihda), a short drive from Petra. Explore this historically significant suburb, which served as a rest stop for camel caravans. Walk through its narrow canyons and wider areas to view its tombs, temples, and frescoes. Visit the Neolithic Village nearby to gain insights into early settlement life, dating back to 7,200 – 6,500 BC. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Depart for the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum, famously associated with “Lawrence of Arabia.” Witness the transformation of the desert landscape as the sun sets, casting deep red hues over the rocks and sand. Experience the unique atmosphere of the desert as the Bedouins prepare a campfire and offer their renowned hospitality. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the Star Lounge, where you can stargaze and admire the Milky Way. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the luxurious Sun City Martian Dome.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Begin the day with breakfast at the camp. Then, visit Wadi Rum, where you’ll embark on a two-hour Jeep tour led by local Bedouins, exploring the stunning, moon-like desert landscape and its various sites. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Afterward, travel to Aqaba to visit the Othman Mosque at Ayla and the historic Mamluk Fort (Castle of Salahuddin). Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Return to the hotel in Aqaba for a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enjoy breakfast before departing to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Explore its legendary connection to Cleopatra, who allegedly used local balsam perfumes to enchant men. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Depart from the hotel and travel to Amman Airport for your departure. Enjoy a comfortable transfer, allowing time for any last-minute arrangements before boarding your flight.</span></p>