---

Treasures of the Kingdom--8 days/7 nights

This tour includes the noted highlights of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, including a two-day visit to Petra, one of the World's New Seven Wonders, and a night at the Dead Sea, a site nominated as one of the World's New Seven Natural Wonders.  The program includes not-to-be-missed events such as the RACE show in Jerash,  "Petra by Night,"  and a cuisine lesson at the Petra Kitchen.  our "basic" touring program is far from basic.   Want more?  Check out the terrific 3-night Sensation Amplification options outlined below.

Booking is simple--choose your dates, choose your add-ns and then head for our Reservation Form.  We'll get right back to you with your confirmation. 

• Friday--Meet/assist at Queen Alia airport, Amman.  Transfer to Amman hotel for overnight.

• Saturday--Visit Um al Jimal, a haunting caravan outpost with impressive architectural features such as its iconic archways and the remains of some 14 Byzantine churches.  Drive on to Azraq, the oasis whose Roman fortress was later re-used as a winter headquarters by T. E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt of the early 20th Century.  Visit the Azraq Wetlands Reserve managed by the RSCN (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature)--a vital reclamation project which has begun to attract hundreds of migratory bird species back to their ancient migratory routes between Africa and Asia or Europe.  Stop for lunch at the RSCN's Azraq Lodge, a restored British Army hospital.  After lunch visit two of Jordan's famed "Desert Castles."  These structures scattered throughout Jordan were in fact Omayyad hunting lodges built during the 8th Century.  Qasr Amra, one of Jordan's World Heritage Sites, has a frescoed vault roof and bathhouse.  Qasr Kharanah, a more formidable structure, displays the "hidden within the walls" structural style well suited to the heart of the desert.  Return to Amman for overnight.  [BL] 

• Sunday--Drive to Jerash for a tour of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial city.  In the Jerash Hippodrome, see the exciting RACE (Roman Army and Chariot Experience) show.  Continue north in the afternoon to dramatic Um Qais (Biblical Gadara), another of Jordan's Greco-Roman Decapolis cities with a stunning view over the Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee.  Return to Amman for overnight.  [B]

• Monday--Morning city tour of Amman (Decapolis Philadelphia), including the Citadel and Archaeological Museum.  Visit Mt. Nebo, the site from which Moses viewed the Promised Land., for its fine views over the Jordan River Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho and the Judean hills, as well as the fine collection of mosaics from the succession of pilgrimage churches which have occupied this venerated spot.  In nearby Madaba have a traditional Jordanian feast at the renowned Haret Jdoudna restaurant before exploring the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park and St. George Church.  Drive on to Petra, with a stop en route to tour the  Shobak Crusader Castle.   Check in to your Petra hotel, and then  join the "Petra by Night" candlelight walk through the mysterious Siq, a most  romantic introduction to the legendary lost city of Petra. [BL]

• Tuesday--Full day touring in Petra, including a daylight return through the Siq and visits to the Treasury, Theater, Colonnaded Street and ad-Deir, Petra's largest carved facade.   Overnight Petra.   [B]

• Wednesday--Morning return to Petra by the "secret road" route.  Visit the High Place of Sacrifice, Wadi Farasa and the Royal Tombs.  Free time in the afternoon to continue exploring Petra or perhaps to try a Turkish Bath at one of the local venues for this popular way to steam out the rose-red dust of Petra.  In the evening, join the fun at the Petra Kitchen as you learn to cook a traditional local meal.   [BD]

• Thursday--Bid farewell to one of the world's most famous man-made wonders and drive via a scenic road to the Dead Sea, lowest point on the earth's surface and one of the world's most famous natural wonders.  The inland sea's mineral content, over 30%, is ten times that of the earth's oceans....it's no wonder that you'll bob like a cork in this unique body of water.  Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach and pools at your resort, or make arrangements to pamper yourself at one of the Dead Sea's world-famous wellness spas.  Overnight Dead Sea.  [B]

• Friday--Transfer to Queen Alia airport for your departure flight.  [B]  Or customize your program by adding on one or more of the "Sensation Amplification" extensions outlined below!

Departure dates:

 3-night/4-day "Sensation Amplification" options

• Red Sea Amplifier--Add a three-night pre tour or post tour extension at Jordan's Red Sea resort city of Aqaba for snorkeling, diving or just relaxing on the beach.

• Dead Sea Amplifier--Indulge your senses with three additional nights at you resort hotel on the Dead Sea.  You can add this option either before or after the Treasures of the Kingdom program.

• Damascus Amplifier--Spend three nights (Friday-Sunday)  in Damascus, arguably the world's oldest city and unquestionably one of the most fascinating.  You'll travel from Madaba to Damascus after your Madaba tour on Friday.  The trip includes a full-day guided tour of Damascus including the Omayyad Mosque, National Museum, Straight Street, Ananias Church, the Azem Palace and the Hammadieh Souk.  You'll also try an authentic Turkish Bath, and may choose to sign up for an excursion to Palmyra or Krak des Chevaliers.  On Sunday, you'll visit the ancient city of Bosra before returning to Jordan and a final night in Amman. 

• Jerusalem Amplifier--(Saturday-Tuesday)  Following your World Heritage Tour, cross the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem early Saturday for three nights just outside the walls of the Old City.  You'll have a free day (Saturday) to explore the narrow cobbled streets on your own, and then you'll join a guided coach tours  to visit to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, as well as another guided coach tour to visit Nazareth, Capernaum, the Mount of the Beatitudes and the Sea of Galilee (Sunday and Monday).  Tuesday morning, back to Jordan for your departure connection (mid-day departure of later), or book a final night in Madaba or Amman before your departure.

Detailed itineraries and prices for each of these options can be found on the Sensation Amplification page.