Nabateans & Nubians

Once you arrive at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport, we'll be there to meet and transfer you to your hotel in Jordan's busy capital city. Once you've settled in, we'll let you know the plan for the next few days and arrange a time to collect you tomorrow. You have the rest of the day free to relax in your hotel or explore the city independently. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel. | EXTRAS: Extra day in Amman - pre-tour, Single room supplement (required for solo travellers if a same-sex room share is not available)

After a tasty breakfast, we start the day with a trip to Jordan's ancient desert castles of Qasr al-Kharrana, Qal’at al-Azraq and Qseirr Amra which can be found along the old trade routes which were frequently used during the Umayyad era. There are still reminders left behind of this time period, such as frescoes, wells and bathhouses - visiting it will give you great insight into learning how these ancient structures were built. We make our way back to Amman at lunchtime, where we'll have falafel and hummus at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we'll head out on a sightseeing tour of Amman - visiting its popular attractions such as the Citadel, the Amphitheatre and the Jordan Folklore Museum. We'll also have some time to visit Amman's markets, giving us the chance to taste some of its unique sweet treats such as Knafeh - before we are taught some basic Arabic phrases which will come in handy throughout our Jordan tour. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

After spending a few days in Amman, we'll make our way to the city of Jerash, which is often known as the "Pompeii of the East". Its known for being one of the largest and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside of Europe. We'll explore some of Jerash's top sites, which includes the Forum, its Roman colonnaded streets, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis - built on one of the highest points in the city. From Jerash, we'll visit the Aljoun Castle, which served as the base for Saladin’s Arab forces when he defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century. Its also a great destination for a hike, with its surrounding mountains, hills and forests boasting a variety of trails. After exploring the Aljoun Castle, we head to the Rasoun village, where we'll meet our homestay hosts for the evening, who will help us settle into their home. We'll then make our way to the hills around the village to witness the Bronze Age Dolmens - megalithic tombs created with massive stone slab atop two or more standing stones. We'll head back to the village, where we'll enjoy a traditional Arabic meal made by our hosts, as we spend the rest of the night chatting and gaining insight into their daily lifestyle in Jordan. | OVERNIGHT: Rasoun homestay. | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner