Jordan Classic Tour

The original castle was built by the nephew of the great military leader Salah ad-Din al Ayyubi in 1184–85 as a military fortress to defend against Crusaders, as well as to protect valuable trade routes between Jordan and Syria.

The castle is an excellent example of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture. The first thing you will notice as you are approaching Ajloun Castle are the massive walls and the five looming towers.

The castle was originally constructed with four towers, and in 1215 AD extended to include a fifth tower and a drawbridge.

You will cross over this medieval bridge, which allows you access across the moat and into the castle. Once inside you will find a maze of curved passageways; winding staircases; long ramps; huge rooms that functioned as dining halls; residences; and castle stables. From the top of the castle, you will enjoy panoramic views of the hilltops along the Jordan Valley.

Ajloun Castle entrance fee: 3 Jordanian dinars.

• Hadrian's Arch: you will enter the ancient Roman city through this oval arch. Built in 129 AD to mark Emperor Hadrian's visit, this stunning piece of architecture is considered as magnificent as the arch in the forum in Rome.
• Hippodrome: as you pass through the arch, to your left you will find the hippodrome or ‘circus.’ The hippodrome, a stadium-like structure was used for horse and chariot races by the ancient Greeks and Romans. There is currently a show (The Roman Army and Chariot Experience) that replicates the events that took place here centuries ago. Guests interested in experiencing the show can find more information below.
• Forum (Oval Plaza): an asymmetrical plaza at the beginning of the column-laden street that runs the length of the city. It was once lined with the city's major buildings, shops, and residences.
• Agora: this was the city's main food market. Here you will see the nymphaeum (or central fountain).
• Nymphaeum: an ornate public fountain that was decorated with lions’ head motifs and dedicated to the nymphs—mythological female deities of nature.
• Temple of Artemis: these impressive ruins are all that’s left of the temple dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, Artemis.
• South Theatre: one of the only two theatres in Jerash to survive, the South Theatre is the largest. Here you will see a 1st century amphitheatre that seats up to 3,000. If you’re lucky, you may catch the Jordanian military band playing there.
• Jerash Archaeological Museum: Jerash was a city hidden under centuries of sand that has only begun to be excavated in the last 70 years. The museum features a collection of artefacts found during these various excavations including coins, statues and sarcophagi.

Jerash City entrance fee: 10 Jordanian dinars.

• Temple of Hercules: built between 162 and 166 AD, this immense structure dedicated to Hercules is larger than any of the temples in Rome.
• Byzantine Church: a basilica built between the 5th and 6th centuries.
• Umayyad Mosque: the remains of the Umayyad governor’s palace mosque dating from the 8th century.
• Dome of the Vestibule: A modern recreation of the interior of the dome of the Umayyad Vestibule.

Amman Citadel entrance fee: 3 Jordanian dinars.

Mount Nebo is where you can stand in Moses’s shoes when he first gazed upon the ‘Promised Land’. The area is located at the summit and where you will undoubtedly feel a surge of calm and peace flow through you. On a clear day, you will be able to see Bethlehem, Jericho and the Holy City of Jerusalem, as well as the Dead Sea. The view is powerful, special, and something you will surely never forget.

Mount Nebo entrance fee: 3 Jordanian dinars.

Coming down from Mount Nebo, we head back towards Madaba. Your guide will now take you to experience Jordan Jewel for Art & Mosaic. Here you will have the chance to visit their workshop and learn about the intricately detailed craftwork that goes into the production of mosaics and other interesting arts of this region.

Travelling to Madaba only takes ten minutes and it is a city known for its spectacular Byzantine era mosaics. Possibly the most famous of these mosaics lies within the 19th century Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. Unearthed in 1864, this map constructed in the 6th century once contained millions of mosaic pieces and depicts lands from Palestine to Egypt. Today one third of the map survives and shows the earliest surviving representation of the city of Jerusalem.

Madaba Saint George church entrance fee: 1 Jordanian dinar.

After Madaba we follow the path of the ancient trade route that began in Egypt and travelled all the way up to Damascus (a route that had been used by the Nabateans to bring spices and frankincense from southern Arabia). This route was also used for the important pilgrimage of both Muslims and Christians.

As you drive along the King’s Highway, you will notice the different geological and altitude changes. We will begin driving at 400 metres below sea level, to a point of around 1,400 metres above sea level. At the top, the land opens up before you and you are presented with spectacular views of open farmland, plateaus, and deep ravines. It is a glorious and moving sight.

Prior to our next site, Karak, you will be going around the Wadi Mujib dam on a very steep road that offers one of the best views this part of the country has to offer.

Upon your arrival in the town of Karak, we visit one of the largest Crusader fortresses in the Levant region.

Karak was once a powerful kingdom situated on a hilltop 1,000 metres above sea level. Karak is surrounded on three sides by a deep valley, and a town was built on a triangular plateau around the castle. The city’s building layout has been dated back to the 19th century, specifically the Ottoman Empire Period. The narrow streets and crumbling buildings give you a sense of walking through history.

The view from the top of the fortress is stunning. Far below, you’ll glimpse blocks of farmland of various colours. In the distance, the Dead Sea sparkles; a cool breeze caresses your face as you look out and try to imagine a world of long ago.

Karak Castle entrance fee: 2 Jordanian dinars.

The King’s Highway will lead us to Tafilah (a town that has been built by the Edomites under the name Tophel) with olive and fig trees, and grape vines alongside the road. In recent history, T.E. Lawrence, during the Arab revolt, destroyed a Turkish castle near the city.

As we approach higher land, we reach the village of Dana. Here, we will stop at a vantage point that overlooks a 500 year old village, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and Wadi Araba.

We will continue our drive to Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses) and stop by the Prophet Moses’s spring that comes from underneath a rock. History claims that Moses’s staff struck this rock, and the Nabateans then built channels and brought the water down into Petra.

This monastery is a one hour climb up 800 rock steps from the basin restaurant/museum area. Don’t be intimidated by the ascent though; donkeys are available, but the essence of the experience for many people is in the walk itself.

What to expect:

While it is not as famous as the Treasury, the Monastery is considered one of the most impressive views at Petra. It is similar to the Treasury yet only larger (50m high x 45m wide). While containing much less decoration, it is still beautifully carved and worth every one of the 800 steps you took to reach it.

If you are a lover of scenic landscapes and breath-taking views, another part of your day should include this location. With just an extra ten minute walk from the Monastery, you will be happy you took the extra time. Here you will enjoy panoramic views of the Wadi Araba Valley. This walk can be extra rewarding for the bird watchers among the group as eagles populate this area in abundance.

This is another place that is offered that provides the opportunity for both a close look into the faith of the Nabateans priest as it was used for animal sacrifice, and also provides a very spectacular view of the city below. Get yourself ready for 700 steps into the mountain (again donkeys can be hired for those looking for a ride up). Your trek up will begin in the area by the theatre near the Treasury.

What better way of viewing the Treasury than to see it lit up by hundreds of candles? Imagine the rose-coloured rock sparkling with hundreds of tiny dancing flames lighting your way throughout. You will enjoy drinking traditional Bedouin tea while traditional Bedouin music plays softly in the background.

The journey starts at the visitor centre, with candles lining the way to the Treasury. The candles give the journey a whimsical effect, while the only sound you hear is that of your own breath echoing in the Siq (gorge).

Petra by Night runs five nights a week, from Sunday to Thursday. The experience begins at 8:30 pm and ends around 10:30 pm.

Ticket: 30 Jordanian dinars per person. Children under the age of 10 can join free of charge.

Whether you are tired after a long day of exploring the city of Petra, or if you are preparing for your night tour, a Turkish bath is a must for a true visitor’s experience. Trust us, every muscle in your body will thank you. A renowned local family owns the baths where we will be taking you so you are guaranteed an authentic Turkish bath experience. Feel free to bring your suit with you, or if you have forgotten yours, one can be provided.

As you enter the first chamber, your masseur will greet you. You will then be cleaned with warm soapy water, and rinsed off by pouring warm water over your head. Next it’s off to the steam room. The steam is mixed with a special blend of local herbs that will aid your breathing and also break down those sore muscles. It’s a unisex bath so you and your friends can enjoy each other’s company while in the steam room.

Afterwards, we’re off to the hot stones where you can put your tired feet up, aiding your blood circulation (definitely needed after all those steps!) Once you’re ready you can head back into the steam room to prepare for your massage. We conclude our time at the Turkish baths with a cool down, followed by some local herbal tea, before we head back to your hotel or off to dinner. This experience will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated like never before!

Price: 24 Jordanian dinars for the full works.

BBQ chicken lunch: it is a unique experience, which is as close to what the native Bedouins used to eat while in the desert (15 Jordanian dinars per person).*

Camel ride: who can resist trekking through the desert on the back of a camel? This is best done after sunset or during early sunrise. Don’t miss out on this genuine experience in the desert (15 Jordanian dinars per person/per hour).*

Horse ride: want to experience Wadi Rum as T.E. Lawrence once did? Then horse riding is something that you cannot miss out on (35 Jordanian dinars per person/per hour).*

Hot air balloon: you’ve enjoyed the magic around you, but do you want to see more? Then the hot air balloon is exactly what you’re looking for; you will have a bird’s eye view of this beautiful landscape (from 45–90 minutes).

It starts at dawn every day but reservations usually need to be confirmed the day before. Also, please note that hot air balloon rides are subject to weather conditions (130 Jordanian dinars per person).

Mountain hiking: want to experience the desert in a different way and feel every bit of it? Then hiking around Wadi Rum is a great way to truly immerse yourself in your surroundings. This trip usually takes a couple of days to allow you to see the entire desert (40 Jordanian dinars/2hrs flat, for the local guide).*

Extra night: Wadi Rum is a peaceful and seemingly limitless place, so an extra night might be worth considering. You can negotiate with your guide on the price of an extra night at the time of your decision.

*Payable directly to the Bedouin owner.

Advance booking is required.

Snorkelling trips: you will be given all the equipment that you will need—mask, snorkel and fins. Transportation will be provided for you, and you will be given a briefing by professional staff on the beach that will include the location of coral reefs, and the best snorkel practices.

Discover scuba diving: this is a great experience for people who would like to discover the beauty of the sea, but do not have a certified license to dive on their own. This package includes:

• Equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, tank, etc.)

• Transportation

• Highly experienced staff that will give you instructions before you start your dive

• Constant staff assistance during the entire experience

Certified diving: if you are already certified with a diving license you can enjoy a variety of dive sites in Aqaba. This package includes:

• Equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, tank, etc.)

• Transportation

• Highly experienced staff who will give you instructions before you start your dive

• Staff will act as guides, ensuring an enjoyable experience

Diving courses: a wide variety of diving courses are available such as:

• Open Water Courses (introductory course)

• Advanced Open Water Courses

• Rescue Diver Courses

• Master Diver Courses

Other services that are offered:

• Underwater photos (put onto a CD)

• Underwater videos

• Other water activities such as Jet Ski rides, boat trips (glass boats, submarine, sunset cruises, etc.), parasailing and travelling out to Pharaoh's Island (one of the most picturesque spots in the entire gulf).

Important Note: only five star hotels have access to the beach in the city of Aqaba; four star hotels are located outside the city, just 15 minutes away and free shuttle services are available between the hotels and the city.