History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: Amman, Azraq & Madaba - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Tour the Capital, Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Welcome to Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital city! A representative will meet you at the airport to assist you with the customs procedures before transferring you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Then, venture out on a private evening tour of the city, starting in the downtown core, where you can walk through different markets, like Souq El-Bukharia, in search of souvenirs. Wander down Rainbow Street next, a charming lane lined with colorful storefronts, art galleries, and cafés. Admire the striking murals and graffiti adorning the walls, showcasing the city's dynamic art scene as you pop in and out of the shops.

Continue to Jabal al-Weibdeh, one of the oldest residential areas in Amman, to discover the restored traditional houses before returning to your hotel to freshen up and meet your driver for a transfer to a local restaurant. Indulge in traditional dishes like mansaf, Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in a yogurt-based sauce served over rice with nuts and herbs. End the night with a hot cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee paired with a sweet treat like knafeh, a rich dessert made from shredded phyllo dough layered with cheese and soaked in sugar syrup.

Day 2: Amman Heritage City Tour 

Explore more of the capital this morning on a private five-hour city tour, starting at the Jordan Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from prehistoric to ancient civilizations, such as the Nabataeans and Romans. Browse the engaging exhibits, showcasing items like intricately carved sarcophagi, detailed mosaics, and the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Then, continue to the nearby Grand Husseini Mosque and admire the striking white and blue domes. Step inside to see the colorful mosaic tiles, traditional Islamic art, and intricate calligraphy lining the walls before walking to Souq El-Bukharia and Souq Al-Sukar.

Shop for souvenirs, fresh produce, and local delights like nuts and spices, then move on to the Roman Theatre of Amman, which dates back to the second century CE. Sit down for lunch at Hashem Restaurant, known for its delicious hummus and falafel. After lunch, transfer to King Abdullah I Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the country. Look up at the blue mosaic dome and minarets, then enter to see the marble flooring, ornate chandeliers, and intricate paintings. End the tour at the on-site Islamic Museum, which houses artifacts, personal artifacts, and photos of the late king.

Day 3: Transfer to Azraq via the Archaeological Site of Jerash

Say goodbye to Amman for now as you transfer to the small town of Azraq, known for its wildlife-heavy wetland reserve. But first, you'll stop one hour north at the Archaeological Site of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Wander the extensive site with a private guide, and be sure to check out the well-preserved remains of temples, theaters, and public squares adorned with intricate mosaics and towering columns. Don't miss the site's highlights, like the Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, and the South Theater, where performances are still held today. 

After exploring the ruins, continue two hours east to the Azraq Wetland Reserve and stretch your legs upon arrival with a guided walk along the 0.93-mile (1.5 km) Marsh Trail in search of wildlife. Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the marshes and pools where migratory birds like raptors, eagles, and warblers gather in abundance. You may also spot mammals such as sand cats, red foxes, hedgehogs, and even buffalo. As you walk, your private guide will share insights into the reserve's ecological significance, wildlife, and conservation efforts before you transfer to your lodge to settle in.

Day 4: Azraq Bike Tour, Transfer to Amman via the Desert Castles Loop

Get ready for an active adventure this morning as you join your guide for a private bike tour of Azraq, starting at your lodge. Pedal across the arid desert landscape to the trails around the Azraq Wetland Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, like ducks and waterfowl, as you continue to Qa'a Al-Azraq, a large mudflat dotted with salt-encrusted depressions and dried lake beds. Once you've worked up an appetite, it's time for brunch with a local Druze family. After refueling, a driver will pick you up and transfer you back to Amman along the Desert Castles Loop, which takes you to several castles and archaeological sites.

Start at Qasr Al-Azraq, a historic fortress originally constructed around 300 CE but rebuilt in 1237 CE, so you can still wander through the interior rooms, courtyards, and towers. Continue to Qasr Al-Harranah, dating back to the early eighth century CE. Discover the well-preserved interior and museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the castle's role in historical events like the Arab Revolt. Your last stop before Amman is the UNESCO-listed Quseir 'Amra, known for its well-preserved frescoes and unique architecture that combines elements of a fortress, residence, and bathhouse.

Day 5: Transfer to Madaba via Mount Nebo, Guided City Tour

After breakfast, hit the road again for a 45-minute transfer to Madaba, often called the "City of Mosaics," for its plentiful ancient mosaic floors and artworks. On the way, stop at Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge of the Abarim range said to be where Moses took in the view of the Promised Land. Follow in his footsteps and look out over the Dead Sea and beyond before making your way to the Memorial Church of Moses, which houses excavated relics from the region and preserved Byzantine mosaics depicting biblical scenes, landscapes, and wildlife.

Back in the car, complete the drive to Madaba and join your guide for a private tour of the city, starting at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. Step inside the ancient church to see the famous Madaba Map, an intricate mosaic floor map depicting the Holy Land. Look for more mosaics at the Madaba Archaeological Park, home to the remnants of Byzantine churches and mosaic floors dating back to the fifth to seventh centuries CE. Then, end the tour at the Church of the Martyrs, built in the sixth century CE to commemorate the Christian martyrs who died for their faith.

Day 6: Visit Al-Maghtas, Transfer to Amman, Depart

After just six days in Jordan, your history and heritage tour comes to an end today. Before you go, join your guide for a private tour of Al-Maghtas along the eastern bank of the Jordan River, believed to be the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. Wander around the archaeological sites to discover the remains of churches, chapels, baptismal pools, and monastic cells dating back to the Byzantine and Roman periods. After touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, transfer one hour back to Amman in time to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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