A romantic country for all seasons..
Jordan lies at the heart of the Middle East, where Asia, Africa and Europe have connected and traded for centuries, since the earliest times. The pine forests of the north, where Jordan is bordered by Syria, gradually give way to the desert of the east and the barren Dead Sea region in the west, while the valley of the River Jordan is green and fertile. across this diverse landscape, potent reminders of past civilisations are still to be found.
In Jordan, visitors can stand at the very spot where John baptized Jesus, where Salome performed for Herod, where Moses viewed the Promised Land shortly before his death, and can see for themselves the pillar of salt that was once Lot's wife. The landscape is dotted with Greek and Roman remains, Crusader castles, Arab fortresses, a feast for the imagination.
This small country has an enviable reputation as one of the most hospitable in the world-and contains more cultural treasures than many larger countries.
Eco Touring in Jordan
With the growing understanding of the need to preserve our environment in recent years, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has created nature reserves at Ajloun and Dana. Small guest houses and campsites have been permitted inside the reserves allowing those of us who appreciate the finer things nature has to offer the opportunity to explore. This itinerary is our suggestion for making the most of this beautiful country, it can be altered to your own requirements, please call for details.
Day 1 - Arrive in Jordan and spend the night in Amman, the exciting capital of Jordan at the hotel off your choice.
Day 2 - Departing from Amman, the tour heads for Jerash, about one hour's drive north of the capital. There will be a tour of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean region. This is followed by a 40 minute drive through a beautiful landscape green with pine forests and olive groves, to Ajloun, where lunch will be taken and is followed by an afternoon walk in the Nature Reserve. Ajloun is dominated by the magnificent ruin of a great castle, a superb example of Arab and Islamic architecture, beautifully preserved, with many of its structures incorporated into the present-day town. On the outskirts of the town is an example of the Emperor Hadrian's aspirations a great arch which was intended to form part of future city walls. The Ajloun Woodland Reserve is located in the Highlands and is classified as Mediterranean hill country, dominated by oak, pistachio, carob and strawberry trees. The various trails offer unrivalled opportunities for observing wildflowers and forest wildlife, for hill and mountain walks, with sublime views extending as far as Syria and Lebanon. The night will be spent at the Nature Reserve in one of the guesthouses, or at the campsite.
Day 3 - Depart Ajloun after breakfast for the journey, via Madaba and Mount Nebo, to Dana. There will be time for some sightseeing in both Madaba and Nebo. Madaba is best-known for its wonderful mosaics of the Byzantine and Umayyad periods, especially the one depicting an early map of Palestine and the Nile Delta. Mount Nebo is one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan, the presumed site of Moses' death and burial. The view from the summit provides a panorama of the Holy Land and the Jordan Valley; on a very clear day both Jerusalem and Jericho can be seen. Arrive Dana late afternoon, and spend the night at one of the several accommodation options within the Nature Reserve.
Day 4 - The Dana Nature Reserve is a system of valleys and mountains that begins at the top of the Rift Valley and descends to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. The diversity of landscape and wildlife is breathtaking, with incomparable natural, archaeological, historical and geological interest. We suggest following the Steppe Trail in the morning, a 3-hour level walk following the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana and passing through the beautiful terraced gardens of Dana Village, with unforgettable views of the canyon-like Wadi. After lunch in Dana continue to Petra for overnight at the hotel of your choice.
Day 5 - Having explored some of Jordan's most undiscovered natural delights, today is a day to explore one of Jordan's national treasures, the stunning city of Petra really needs no further introduction. Overnight again in Petra.
This tour can be extended enabling a visit to Wadi Rum or guests might like to travel to the Dead Sea to relax for a few days.