It was built by the nephew of the military commander Salah ad-Din al Ayyubi in 1184–85 as a military stronghold to defend against the Crusaders, as well as to preserve trade routes between Jordan and Syria.

The castle is an exquisite example of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture.

First constructed with four towers, and in 1215 AD, a fifth tower and a drawbridge were added. You will cross over this medieval bridge. Once inside, you will discover a maze of curved passageways; winding staircases; long ramps; large rooms that functioned as dining halls; residences. At the top, you will enjoy scenic views of the hilltops along the Jordan Valley.

Ajloun Castle entrance fee: 1 Jordanian dinar.

• Hadrian’s Arch: Built-in 129 AD to mark Emperor Hadrian’s visit, this striking piece of architecture is regarded as brilliant as the arch in Rome’s forum.

• Hippodrome: hippodrome or ‘circus.’ The hippodrome, a stadium-like construction, was used for horses and chariot races by the ancient Greeks and Romans. 

• Forum (Oval Plaza): An asymmetrical plaza at the start of the column-laden street that runs the city’s length.

• Agora: City’s primary food market. Here you will witness the nymphaeum (or central fountain).

• Nymphaeum: an ornate public fountain that was furnished with lions’ head motifs and dedicated to the nymphs—mythological female deities of nature.

• Temple of Artemis: these extraordinary ruins are all that’s left of the temple dedicated to the protector city goddess, Artemis.

• South Theatre: one of the only two theatres in Jerash, the South Theatre is the largest. Here you will observe a 1st-century amphitheater that seats up to 3,000.

• Jerash Archaeological Museum: The museum features artifacts discovered during these various excavations, including coins, statues, and sarcophagi.

Jerash City entrance fee: 8 Jordanian dinars.

• Temple of Hercules: built between 162 and 166 AD. This enormous structure devoted to Hercules is larger than any of the temples in Rome.

Amman Citadel entrance fee: 2 Jordanian dinars.

Mount Nebo, a place where you can stand in Moses’s shoes when he first gazed upon the ‘Promised Land.’ The area found at the summit and where you will unquestionably feel a wave of calm and peace run through you. On a clear day, be prepared to see Bethlehem, Jericho, and the Holy City of Jerusalem, as well as the Dead Sea. The scene is robust, unique, and something you will surely never misremember.

Mount Nebo entrance fee: 1 Jordanian dinar.

As we drive back towards Madaba, your driver will stop at Jordan Jewel for Art & Mosaic. Here you will have the opportunity to visit their workshop and discover the complicated craftwork that goes into making mosaics and other exotic arts of this region.

Traveling to Madaba only takes ten minutes, and it is a city known for its striking Byzantine-era mosaics. Perhaps the most popular of these mosaics lies inside the 19th century Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. Discovered in 1864, this map created in the 6th century once contained millions of mosaic pieces and depicted lands from Palestine to Egypt. Today one-third of the map remains and shows the earliest surviving representation of the city of Jerusalem.

Madaba Saint George church entrance fee: 1 Jordanian dinar.

After Madaba, we follow the ancient trade route that originated in Egypt and traveled up to Damascus (a way adopted by the Nabateans to bring spices and frankincense from southern Arabia). This route was also used for the pilgrimage of both Christians and Muslims.

Along the King’s Highway, Various geological and elevation changes. We will begin driving at 400 meters beneath sea level, to the point of about 1,400 meters above sea level. The land opens up, and you are presented with sensational views of open farmland, plateaus, and deep ravines. It is a glorious and moving sight.

Before our next site, Karak, you will be driven around the Wadi Mujib dam on a very steep road that gives one of the best views this part of the country has to offer.

In the town of Karak, we visit one of the biggest Crusader fortresses in the Levant region.
Karak was once a mighty kingdom located on a hilltop 1,000 meters above sea level.

Karak is circled on three sides by a deep valley, and a city was built on a triangular plateau around the castle. The city’s building design has been dated back to the 19th century, particularly the Ottoman Empire Period. The narrow streets and decaying buildings give you a feeling of walking through history.

The scene from the top of the fortress is beautiful. Far beneath, you’ll glimpse masses of farmland of various colors. In the distance, the Dead Sea sparkles; a cool breeze touches your face as you gaze out and try to envision a world of long ago.

Karak Castle entrance fee: 1 Jordanian dinar.

The King’s Highway will take us to Tafilah (a city that has been built by the Edomites under the name Tophel) with fig, olive trees, and grapevines alongside the road. In modern history, T.E. Lawrence, during the Arab revolt, destroyed a Turkish castle near the city.

As we approach higher land, we arrive at the village of Dana. Here, we will stand at a vantage point that overlooks a 500-year-old village, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and Wadi Araba.

We will proceed our drive to Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses) and stop by the Prophet Moses’s spring that comes from under a rock. History claims that Moses’s staff struck this rock, and the Nabateans then built canals and brought the water down into Petra.

This monastery is a one hour climb up 800 rock steps from the basin museum/restaurant area. Don’t be frightened by the ascent, though; donkeys are available, but the essence of the adventure for many people is in the walk itself.

What to expect:

While it is not as well-known as the Treasury, the Monastery is rated as one of the most memorable views at Petra. It is comparable to the Treasury yet only larger (50m high x 45m wide). While including much less decoration, it is still wonderfully carved and deserving every one of the 800 steps you took to reach it.

If you are a fan of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views, another part of your day should include this location. With just an additional ten minute walk from the Monastery, you will be pleased you took the extra time. Here you will appreciate panoramic views of the Wadi Araba Valley. This walk can be extra satisfying for the bird watchers among the group as eagles populate this area in abundance.

This is another place that is offered that provides the opportunity for both a close look into the faith of the Nabateans priest as it was used for animal sacrifice, and also provides a very spectacular view of the city below. Get yourself ready for 700 steps into the mountain (again, donkeys can be hired for those looking for a ride up). Your trek up will begin in the area by the theatre near the Treasury.

What better way of seeing the Treasury than to see it lit up by hundreds of candles? Picture the rose-colored rock sparkling with hundreds of tiny dancing flames lighting your way throughout. You will enjoy sipping traditional Bedouin tea while traditional Bedouin music plays softly in the background.
The walk starts at the visitor center, with candles lining the way to the Treasury. The candles give the journey a playful effect, while the only sound you hear is that of your own breath echoing in the Siq (gorge).

Petra by Night runs three times a week. Tours start at 8:30 pm and finish at 10:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Ticket: 17 Jordanian dinars.

Whether you are tired after a long day of exploring the city of Petra, or if you are preparing for your night tour, a Turkish bath is a must for a true visitor’s experience. Trust us, every muscle in your body will thank you. A renowned local family owns the baths where we will be taking you, so you are guaranteed an authentic Turkish bath experience. Feel free to bring your suit with you, or if you have forgotten yours, one can be provided.
As you enter the first chamber, your masseur will greet you. You will then be cleaned with warm soapy water and rinsed off by pouring warm water over your head. Next, it’s off to the steam room. The steam is mixed with a special blend of local herbs that will help your breathing and break down those sore muscles. It’s a unisex bath so you and your friends can enjoy each other’s company while in the steam room.
Afterward, we’re off to the hot stones where you can put your tired feet up, aiding your blood circulation (definitely needed after all those steps!) Once you’re ready, you can head back into the steam room to prepare for your massage. We end our time at the Turkish baths with a cool down, followed by some local herbal tea, before we head back to your hotel or off to dinner. This experience will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated like never before!

Price: 24 Jordanian dinars for the full works.

BBQ chicken lunch: it is a unique experience, which is as close to what the native Bedouins used to eat while in the desert (15 Jordanian dinars per person.).*

Camel ride: who can resist trekking through the desert on the back of a camel? This is best done after sunset or during early sunrise. Don’t miss out on this authentic experience in the desert (15 Jordanian dinars per person/per hour.).*

Hot air balloon: you’ve enjoyed the magic around you, but do you want to see more? Then the hot air balloon is what you’re looking for; you will have a bird’s eye view of this stunning landscape (from 45–90 minutes).

It starts at dawn every day, but reservations normally need to be confirmed the day before. Also, please note that hot air balloon rides are subject to weather conditions (130 Jordanian dinars per person.).**

Mountain hiking: want to undergo the desert in a different way and feel every bit of it? Then hiking around Wadi Rum is an excellent way to truly engage yourself in your surroundings. This trip usually takes a couple of days to allow you to see the entire desert (40 Jordanian dinars/2hrs flat, for the local guide.).*

Extra night: Wadi Rum is a serene and apparently limitless place, so an extra night might be worth thinking about. You can negotiate with your guide on the price of an extra night at the time of your decision.

* can be payable directly to the Bedouin owner. .
**Advance booking is required. .