From Amman we drive to Aqaba and, at nearby Wadi Rum, we explore the desert sands in jeeps. A day in ancient Petra primes us for our visit to the Roman city of Jerash and the mighty amphitheatre at Bosra. An afternoon spent at the Dead Sea is a great way to relax – here in the highly saline waters we can float the time away! In Damascus there is much to see including the celebrated Omayyad Mosque and a labyrinth of streets and souks. One of the many highlights of our adventure is Krak des Chevaliers – the greatest Crusader fortress ever built. In Aleppo we wander the vaulted bazaars, enjoy great food and perhaps even indulge in an invigorating Turkish bath. We return to Damascus by way of Tartus – our minds alight with images of splendid architecture, kaleidoscopic culture and breathtaking scenery.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Sun) Arrive in Amman and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Drive to Aqaba. Afternoon free. |
| Days 3-4 |
Jeep safari in Wadi Rum and full day in Petra. |
| Day 5 |
Drive to Amman via Shobak Castle, Dana Village and Madaba. |
| Day 6 |
Visit Jerash and the Dead Sea. |
| Day 7 |
Visit Bosra. Drive to Damascus. |
| Day 8 |
Visit the museum, Omayyad Mosque and bazaars. Drive to Palmyra. Tent dinner. |
| Day 9 |
Visit Palmyra. Drive to Krak des Chevaliers. |
| Day 10 |
Visit Krak, Hama, Apamea, Maarat-el-Numan and Dead Cities. Arrive Aleppo. |
| Day 11 |
Explore the bazaars and visit St Simeon's Monastery. |
| Day 12 |
Visit Ugarit, Saone and drive to Tartus. |
| Day 13 |
Tartus Museum. Drive back to Damascus. |
| Day 14 |
Trip ends in Damascus this morning (Sat). |