Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

92 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MEAL PLAN: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners ACCOMMODATION Amman 2 nights 4 ★ Geresa Hotel Petra 2 nights 4 ★ Old Village hotel or 4 ★ Petra Moon Hotel Wadi Rum 1 night Hasan Zawaideh Camp Dead Sea 2 nights 5 ★ Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Resort and Spa DAY 1: UK TO AMMAN Depart London on your scheduled direct flight to Amman where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: AMMAN B/L/D A morning tour of Amman’s historic downtown area takes in the cultural artefacts of the Archaeological and Folklore Museums and the hilltop ruins of the Citadel which sits on the highest hill in Amman, about 850 metres above sea level. Occupied since the Bronze Age, it is surrounded by a vast 1700m metre long wall which has been re-built numerous times throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. Two of the Citadel’s most fascinating sights are the Umayyad Palace, renowned for its distinctive domed entrance known as the chamber, and the towering columns of the Temple of Hercules, believed to be the most significant structure in the historic Amman Citadel. Continue on to the ancient city of Jerash, one of the ten great Roman cities of the Decapolis League with a history of an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Hidden for centuries in sand, the city offers a wealth of well- preserved Roman ruins. Witness its long-standing theatres, paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, and spacious public squares and plazas before returning to your hotel in Amman. DAY 3: AMMAN TO PETRA B/L/D This morning, set out for the city of Madaba, famous for its 6th century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, as well as its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, some of which are vibrantly colourful. Travel onward to Mount Nebo, renowned as the biblical city where Moses having led his people from Sinai, stood on the edge of a ridge overlooking the dead sea, and was granted a view of the ‘Promised Land’ that he would never enter. It is also said that he died and was buried here. In the basilica that marks the spot, beautiful mosaics portray rustic scenes which are as varied with colour as the day they were laid. From here, journey south to explore Al Karak’s imposing 12th century crusader’s castle, built on a triangular plateau and an impressive example of the Crusaders’ architectural military genius before continuing to Petra for your overnight stay. DAY 4: PETRA B/D Today’s exploration of the awe-inspiring Nabatean Red Rose city of Petra starts with a dramatic entry through a long, narrow gorge flanked by soaring cliffs. This unique city, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people, who turned it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Syria, Greece, Egypt and Rome. Colossal red mountains and vast tombs of a departed race which are such a far reach from modern civilization, are often considered as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Man and Nature. Pass dazzling rock formations before the final turn opens up to a view of the iconic 2,000-year-old façade of the treasury. Believed to be a royal tomb, the impressive rock-hewn site may be recognised from the film ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. Continuing deeper into this fascinating ancient city, you’ll have a full day to explore its elaborate, tombs, temples, sacrificial altars and Roman-style theatres. DAY 5: PETRA TO WADI RUM B/D After breakfast, visit Al Beidha, known as ‘Little Petra’ for the similarity of its rock-cut tombs and structures. Witness centuries-old dining halls, washrooms, fountains and rooms skilfully hewn into stone. Next, Admire the wealth of Jordan’s culture and history as you travel from captivating Petra and historic Amman to the ancient settlement of Jerash and renowned mosaics of Madaba. Combining age-old structures with dramatic natural surroundings, your tour ends with a safari through the rolling desert dunes of Wadi Rum and a chance to float on the salty expanse of the Dead Sea. Roman Ruins of Jerash CLASSICAL JORDAN 8 days from £1,249pp TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ Explore the dazzling rock formations and ancient rock-cut tombs of Petra and Little Petra ✔ Visit the historic Citadel and Blue Mosque in Amman’s historic centre ✔ Wander the preserved Roman ruins of Jerash ✔ The imposing, hilltop castle of Al Karak ✔ Jeep safari through the dramatic desert dunes of Wadi Rum ✔ Day at leisure in the Dead Sea region PACE: To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556