History and Culture in the Kingdom of Bedouins

About fifty kilometers north of Amman, Jerash, known in ancient times as Gerasa, is one of the most extraordinary Roman cities and one of the best preserved in the Near East. You explore the city with a local English-speaking guide (private tour of approximately 2 hours).

Head towards Ajlun, through a landscape dotted with olive trees.

Perched atop a hill offering views over Tiberias and Judea, Ajlun Fortress, also called Qala'at ar-Rabad Castle, is the main site in the city. Its strategic location once allowed it to protect the trade routes connecting Jordanie and Syria, but also to defend the region against the Crusaders, whose attempts to conquer the city failed.

Return to Amman for the night.

The first part of the day is devoted to discovering spectacular monuments scattered in the black basalt desert east of Amman, which mark the beginnings of Islamic art: the Desert Castles, a name given to these ancient residences of Umayyad caliphs (late 7th - early 8th century). These isolated buildings were at once caravanserais, secondary residences, hunting pavilions, … and made it possible to transform desert areas into carefully irrigated settlements. The three castles you will visit are the Qasr al-Kharana (fortified castle, probably defensive caravanserai), the Qasr Amra (beautifully preserved, UNESCO-listed for its frescoes) and the Azraq Castle (initially built by the Romans then transformed by the Umayyads, it is renowned for having hosted Lawrence of Arabia during his stay with Emir Faisal).

Return to the capital for a visit to ancient Amman, the ancient Philadelphia of the Roman Decapolis. Roman Theatre, Temple of Hercules, colonnades, and museums bear witness to the city's rich past. The contrast is striking with <modern Amman, which also deserves some of your time.

You leave Amman heading towards Madaba, known for its churches adorned with mosaics. In the Church of Saint George, discover the Map of the Holy Land, considered the oldest known representation of the Holy Land, notably of Jerusalem and the Decapolis. Continue towards Mount Nebo, where tradition places the death and burial of Moses. A church was built there as early as the 4th century.

Then take the Route of the Kings (King's Highway), with its views over the Jordan Valley, following the presumed traces of Moses guiding the Hebrews during the Exodus. In the Mujib Valley, visit the Al-Karak Castle, which overlooks the city and was said to be impregnable. Upon your arrival in Petra, discover Little Petra and Siq el-Barid, former Nabatean caravan station and commercial hub, as well as the Neolithic remains of Beidah.

Transfer to the hotel for the night.

Departure for the Wadi Rum desert, also called the Valley of the Moon. This enchanting and majestic desert made of dunes and rock formations in ochre tones had already captivated Lawrence of Arabia in its time.
Settlement at the camp and free time to stroll around the surroundings. Typical dinner at the camp, Bedouin evening and night in Bedouin tents.

Head towards Aqaba, located on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, extending into the Red Sea. Enjoy your free time at the end of the day to rest, take a stroll or unwind on the beach, by the sea teeming with colorful fish.

Continue your journey towards the Dead Sea, located at the borders of Jordan, Israel and the West Bank. At 417 meters below sea level, you reach the lowest point on Earth. With a salinity of 27.5%, its waters allow you to float naturally and do not permit the presence of either fish or algae. It is also said that Cleopatra already carried out treatments there to preserve her complexion and that the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah once prospered on its shores.

Enjoy free time on a private beach to relax at the end of your stay.

Departure towards the city of As-Salt, which is located just outside Amman heading north. This charming city is proud of its history and features yellow sandstone architecture. During this visit, visitors will experience rural life by learning how to make seasonal jams and jameed.

Umm Omar, a resident of As-Salt, has been making homemade jams as well as other locally sourced products since she was a little girl. As she grew up, she worked alongside her grandmother who took seasonal fruits and vegetables to create different types of jams.

Visitors will have the opportunity to visit Umm Omar's farm to see the fruits she uses for jam making. As well as animals like goats that give her milk with which she makes Jameed. This is a dried yogurt made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is the basic ingredient of Mansaf, the famous Jordanian national dish. Later, they will sing together local songs that reflect the daily life and culture of Jordanians.

Traditional lunch at Umm Omar's.

Time to head back towards Amman.

Night at the hotel