| HIGHLIGHTS: Amman - Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Petra - The Kings Highway - Jerash - Damascus - Palmyra - Krak des Chevaliers - Hama - Aleppo
Jordan and Syria are two of the hidden gems of the region. Both these fascinating countries have long and at times turbulent histories. Nabataeans, Romans, Assyrians, Crusaders and Turks have all left their mark, and their legacy is an incredible supply of ancient cities, temples, castles, mosques and bazaars.
We begin in Jordan, where we discover friendly people, excellent food, the vast Bedouin stronghold of Wadi Rum, and the real gem, the fabulous "lost city" of Petra. We continue on to the white city of Amman and its close neighbour the ruins of Roman Jerash. Up the road from Amman is Damascus, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, with its atmospheric old quarter and the stunning Ommayad Mosque. To the east lies the legendary ancient city of Palmyra; and to the north is the splendid Crusader castle at Krak Des Chevaliers and the fabulous city of Aleppo, boasting one of the best bazaars in the Middle East. We finally make our way back to Damascus where our adventure ends.
Day 1 Amman. Your trip starts today in Amman. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Amman Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town Our local Amman guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast. Please check the notice board for any messages from your guide.
Day 2 Amman - Aqaba. Our local Amman guide will put us on the regular bus service this morning. We then head south to Aqaba, an easy three hours drive. Here we meet our tour guide who will remain with us for the rest of our tour. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this lively beach side town. Relax on the beach, do some shopping and maybe grab a meal at a local seafood restaurant.
Day 3 Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Petra. For many people, Wadi Rum represents everything that a desert should be. It's a magical place where weathered sandstone mountains rise out of pink - coloured sands. T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) spent a fair bit of time here, and the region is also home to the famous Desert Police, who can sometimes be seen riding camels and wearing their long - flowing robes and headdresses. We enjoy a fantastic jeep tour into the desert and later we continue our journey to Petra.
Day 4 Petra. We spend much of the day exploring the many wonders of this ancient city, founded more than 2000 years ago as a temporary refuge for nomadic Arabs and Bedouin. We enter through the narrow 'siq' and visit the numerous tombs, temples and public buildings - as well as the impressive rock - hewn amphitheatre. It's a really interesting day, but a tiring one, and at the conclusion we can enjoy an optional Turkish Bath at our hotel - a great way to end the day.
Day 5 Petra - The Kings Highway - Amman. We follow the ancient Kings Highway, a road that dates back to the Old Testament, and beyond. We reach Dana, where we have time to stroll though the ancient village. Recent finds have revealed evidence of Paleolithic, Egyptian, Edomite, Assyrian, Nabataean and Roman civilisations. While here we can visit the craft centre to purchase attractive locally - made silver jewellery and charms. Continuing our journey, we reach the splendid crusader castle at Shobak, originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before falling to Saladin in 1189. Further on, at Madaba, we visit the Greek Orthodox church of St. George, which houses a 6th century mosaic map depicting the old city of Jerusalem. We arrive in the lively city of Amman, where we check in to our hotel before heading out 'on the town'.
Day 6 Jerash. The Roman city of Jerash is in a fine state of preservation. Founded in the time of Alexander the Great, it had become a centre of considerable importance by the 3rd century AD. Today it is one of the grandest ancient cities in the world, with an imposing collection of archways, theatres, baths and colonnaded streets. We enjoy a morning tour and the afternoon is free for an optional excursion to the Dead Sea, or to explore Amman further.
Day 7 Amman - Damascus. From Amman we catch the local bus to Damascus. Along the way we pass through the border, a relatively straightforward exercise, and before long the anticipation builds as we are enter the outskirts of Damascus. On arrival we are met and taken to our hotel. In the evening, around 6.30pm, we get together with our Syrian guide for a briefing.
Day 8 Damascus. We begin with a tour of the National Museum, where our leader/guide explains the various periods of Syrian history. There are numerous artifacts from Palmyra as well as a superb collection of clay tablets, all inscribed with cuneiform letters - one of the earliest forms of the alphabet. We then make our way into the old city, where we visit the wonderful and impressive Ommayad Mosque. Be sure to be properly clothed today (shorts are not allowed and women are expected to cover all limbs. If you don't pass the test you will be directed to the 'Putting On Special Clothes' room where you will be lent a large sack - like garment to put over your clothes). The Omayyad Mosque is an absolute gem and after time to absorb it we head into the numerous streets, alleyways and bazaars that make up the heart of the old city.
Day 9 Damascus - Palmyra. This morning we drive to the celebrated ancient city of Palmyra, arriving around lunchtime. Palmyra's 'golden age' was during the first two centuries A.D, first as a Greek city and then as part of the Roman Empire. It was a major link in the ancient 'Spice Route' to India and pack - camels once arrived here laden with spices and perfumes. In the afternoon we visit the Temple of Bel, Palmyra's principal deity, identified with Roman Jupiter and Greek Zeus. We walk along parts of the ceremonial colonnade (once the main street) and explore the various other places of interest, including the baths of Diocletian and the remains of the agora, or marketplace. We spend the night in the little village of Tadmor, just outside the old city.
Day 10 Palmyra - Krak des Chevaliers. Leaving Palmyra we make our way to Krak Des Chevaliers, described by Lawrence of Arabia as 'the finest castle in the world'. After time for lunch we explore this magnificent castle, which rises from the desert floor like a fairytale fortress and is one of Syria's premier attractions. It dates back to 1031, but it was the 12th century Crusaders who expanded and extensively remodelled it. In the late afternoon we head to our nearby hotel for the night.
Day 11 - 12 Hama - Aleppo. From Krak we drive along the valley to Aleppo. Along the way, we stop at the pretty town of Hama. On the banks of the Orontes River, the tree - lined streets, peaceful gardens and ancient water wheels make this a very pleasant place to visit. Most of our time here is spent exploring the historic limestone - vaulted souk, where the thick pall of ground spices hangs in the gloomy submarine light and sheep and goats are put out to graze on the roof. It is a fascinating area and one of the highlights of our trip, with its splendid khans (merchant houses) and caravanserais. The Great Mosque is also well worth a visit, and you can take an optional morning excursion to the dramatic Monastery of St. Simeon. One evening we can visit the historic bathhouse of Hamam el Nasri, which has been in operation for over 600 years, and there are several good restaurants to check out.
Day 13 - 14 Damascus. We say goodbye to Aleppo this morning and head south back toward Damascus. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore more of this intriguing city. Maybe revisit the Suq al - Hamidiyya (main bazaar) or take in the sights and sounds of central Damascus after dark. There are lots of cheap local restaurants and nearby shops for some last minute purchases. The trip ends after breakfast on day 14 or stick around for another few nights in the grand old city.
An intriguing mix of ancient ruins, friendly people, great food and beautiful landscapes 14 day tour departing Amman. 13 nights accommodation in hotels. 12 breakfasts. Gecko's expert English-speaking local guides in all countries, and local site guides at some sites. Sightseeing including entrance fees where applicable. Full day exploring Petra. Jeep safari in the Wadi Rum
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