Desert Castles
The less visited castles east of Amman include the black basalt fort at Azraq, once the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia.
Combine the wild scenery, fascinating historical sites and Bedouin culture of Jordan with the ancient biblical hub of Jerusalem, a remarkable city home to incredible religious sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This ten-day holiday best suits travellers with an interest in architecture and history, who are keen to explore the many faces of religions in the company of local historians.
The less visited castles east of Amman include the black basalt fort at Azraq, once the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia.
This UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra is a highlight of any holiday to Jordan.
Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea or relax with a soothing massage.
Cross the King Hussain Bridge to Israel to wander the atmospheric and historical streets of Jerusalem.
Combining the sheer historical content of Jordan and Jerusalem over 10 days will stop you in your tracks. You will be falling over UNESCO sites, and humbled by history. Both countries deliver so much in a single visit – a patchwork of historical facts, Biblical locations, and ancient discoveries. Both Jordan, Jerusalem and Israel are small, safe and friendly, and easy to get around with great infrastructure.
Day 1 -2
Amman
Day 3
Amman - Petra
Day 4
Petra
Day 5
Petra - Dead Sea
Day 6
Dead Sea
Day 7
Dead Sea - Jerusalem
Day 8 - 9
Jerusalem
Day 10
Jerusalem - Tel Aviv
Day 1 -2
Amman
Day 3
Amman - Petra
Day 4
Petra
Step into the world of Indiana Jones and explore the once lost city of Petra.
Day 5
Petra - Dead Sea
Day 6
Dead Sea
Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea or relax with a soothing massage.
Day 7
Dead Sea - Jerusalem
Day 8 - 9
Jerusalem
Cross the King Hussain Bridge to Israel to wander the atmospheric and historical streets of Jerusalem.
Day 10
Jerusalem - Tel Aviv
To the east of Amman lie a number of desert complexes dating from the early Islamic period. Less visited than the Roman site of Jerash these served as rural retreats during the Umayyad dynasty. Qusair Amra with its mosaics and frescos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the black basalt fort at Azraq was the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia and Qasr el-Hallabat, Qasr Kharanah and Qasr Mushatta are all well worth a visit too.
When staying in Petra, we recommend staying as close to the visitor centre as possible so you get ahead of the inevitable crowds. Either take the path through the Siq Canyon, just over a kilometre in length, with its narrow, 100 metre high corridors of stone. or for the energetic take a morning hike from Little Petra and reach Petra by the back door, arriving at the monastery first. Spend a full day here exploring the temples, theatres and tombs of Petra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an unmissable aspect of your holiday.
In ancient times the Dead Sea was one of the most fertile places in the Middle East and some of the world’s oldest civilisations sprang up here. Today a float in the Dead Sea is the order of the day – swimming is virtually impossible. People cover themselves in the mud on the seabed. It is known for its rich mineral content and is thought to be extremely healing and good for the skin.
It is possible to cross by a bridge from Jordan into Israel. Steeped in religion, conflict and history the city is awash with religious sites and colourful markets as well as charming boutique hotels. Claimed as the capital by both Israelis and Palestinians alike, Jerusalem’s in-limbo status doesn’t prevent it from being one of the greatest sites of pilgrimage in the world. Religious wonders pack its streets and the faithful come in droves to pay their respects. Spend a full day exploring the city with an excellent guide, where holy sites tumble over each other. Plan your time in this city with your interests in mind.
The Israeli Negev is home to the largest erosion crater in the world, the Ramon Crater, which is a stunning site to behold. Camp at the Ramon crater and sleep beneath the stars or alternatively stay in the luxurious Six Senses Shaharout Resort. The experiences here are for lovers of the great outdoors, with options to hike the Ramon Crater, take a challenging jeep tour off piste, rappel down steep ravines, and, if visiting during the Spring, don’t forget to look up – there is a myriad of migratory birds here.
Reached from either Petra, from the east or Tel Aviv from the north, the road journey is less than four hours. The southern resorts on the Red Sea, notably Aqaba and Eilat, have easiest access into the Southern Negeb, only two hours by road.
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Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
December to February is winter across the country. Snow is common around Petra and Amman and the mountainous central spine. This period has 70% of the average annual precipitation, although it is a very dry country. It is a good time to visit the coast around Aqaba and the Dead Sea, as it remains pleasantly warm and dry in the day.
December to February is winter across the country. Snow is common around Petra and Amman and the mountainous central spine. This period has 70% of the average annual precipitation, although it is a very dry country. It is a good time to visit the coast around Aqaba and the Dead Sea, as it remains pleasantly warm and dry in the day.
March is a good time to visit Jordan, with the main sites remaining fairly quiet and spring on it’s way. Nights in the desert remain cold, but it is very pleasant in the day.
April and May are the most popular times to visit Jordan, as the wildflowers carpet the country’s otherwise desolate slopes. It is a good time for hiking as it is not too hot generally. Temperatures are warm across the country, with it starting to get hot around the Dead Sea and Aqaba. We recommend getting up very early to see Petra at sunrise, before most tourists arrive.
April and May are the most popular times to visit Jordan, as the wildflowers carpet the country’s otherwise desolate slopes. It is a good time for hiking as it is not too hot generally. Temperatures are warm across the country, with it starting to get hot around the Dead Sea and Aqaba. We recommend getting up very early to see Petra at sunrise, before most tourists arrive.
June to August is the height of summer, with stifling temperatures across much of the country. However, it is a dry heat, with pleasantly warm evenings and mornings. By avoiding the middle of the day and taking lots of water, Jordan can still be enjoyed at this time of year. It is a quieter time of year so it is easier to reserve a spot in your favourite accommodation.
June to August is the height of summer, with stifling temperatures across much of the country. However, it is a dry heat, with pleasantly warm evenings and mornings. By avoiding the middle of the day and taking lots of water, Jordan can still be enjoyed at this time of year. It is a quieter time of year so it is easier to reserve a spot in your favourite accommodation.
June to August is the height of summer, with stifling temperatures across much of the country. However, it is a dry heat, with pleasantly warm evenings and mornings. By avoiding the middle of the day and taking lots of water, Jordan can still be enjoyed at this time of year. It is a quieter time of year so it is easier to reserve a spot in your favourite accommodation.
September to November is generally a very good time to visit Jordan, although autumn is often indistinct. Temperatures start to cool off at the end of September, and the first signs of rain appear towards the end of October. It is a perfect time to visit Aqaba, with warm waters accommodating turtles and eagle rays.
September to November is generally a very good time to visit Jordan, although autumn is often indistinct. Temperatures start to cool off at the end of September, and the first signs of rain appear towards the end of October. It is a perfect time to visit Aqaba, with warm waters accommodating turtles and eagle rays.
September to November is generally a very good time to visit Jordan, although autumn is often indistinct. Temperatures start to cool off at the end of September, and the first signs of rain appear towards the end of October. It is a perfect time to visit Aqaba, with warm waters accommodating turtles and eagle rays.
December to February is winter across the country. Snow is common around Petra and Amman and the mountainous central spine. This period has 70% of the average annual precipitation, although it is a very dry country. It is a good time to visit the coast around Aqaba and the Dead Sea, as it remains pleasantly warm and dry in the day.
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