Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

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 city of Madaba, famous for its 6th century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land ✔ Marvel at the preserved Roman ruins of Jerash ✔ Discover the imposing, hilltop castle of Al Karak ✔ Journey on a Jeep safari through the dramatic rolling desert dunes of Wadi Rum ✔ Enjoy a day at leisure in the Dead Sea region with the chance to float on the salty waters Petra Classical Jordan 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. Enjoy a safari through the rolling desert dunes of Wadi Rum and a chance to float on the salty expanse of the Dead Sea. Day 1: UK to Amman Depart the UK on your 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 metres long wall which has been rebuilt 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 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 < < Amman Dead Sea Petra Wadi Rum     Coach Air 8 days from £1,249 Visit our website or call for full prices and departure dates 200 Africa and the Middle East P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £99