Petra and Wild Jordan

Start the day with a gentle walk through the scenic Mediterranean landscape of the Ajloun Reserve, then drive through the olive-strewn countryside to Jerash – one of the best preserved Roman ruins in the Middle East. Jerash, also called the ‘City of 1,000 Columns’, was visited by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 129 AD. Its stunning remains are the equal of Ephesus in Turkey and are prized by UNESCO as an ‘ancient meeting place of East and West’.

Drive out into the flat and barren eastern desert towards the oasis, marshes and wetlands of Azraq – one of the best places for birding in Jordan. En route, visit the 7th-century UNESCO Umayyad pleasure place at Qasr Amra and the black basalt fortress of Azraq. The afternoon is dedicated to birding and exploring at the Azraq Wetland Reserve on the 3.5km Water Buffalo Trail.

There’ll be more birding opportunities this morning at Azraq Wetland Reserve as you walk through the lagoons and tall reeds on the 1.5km Marsh Trail. Then, drive to the nearby Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, home to some of the rarest fauna in the Middle East. Arabian oryx, Persian onagers (an Asian wild ass), ostrich, and gazelles all thrive in Jordan’s eastern desert. There’s a chance you might spot these magnificent animals during your 3 to 4-hour jeep safari. Arrive in Petra late this afternoon.

A full day to discover the rock-hewn ruins of ancient Petra, Jordan’s foremost tourist attraction. Once the capital of the Nabataean Arabs who controlled the lucrative trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean coast, Petra or ‘Rekem’ as the Nabataeans called it, was ‘lost’ to the outside world for a thousand years until its rediscovery in 1812. The site is approached through a hairline crack in the mountain known as the Siq, and on emerging into the ancient city, you are greeted by the breathtaking sight of the vestiges of long-forgotten kings and once a fabulously wealthy empire – a spectacle that is unequalled in the Middle East.

Set off to explore the spectacular desert valley of Wadi Rum by 4WD vehicle (90 minutes) this morning. Famously described by TE Lawrence as ‘vast, echoing and God-like’, Wadi Rum is sometimes likened to the surface of the moon and is one of the most impressive natural spectacles in Arabia. After your safari, drive north to lodge in Wadi Dana, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the stunning scenery of the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

This morning, ascend to the top of Rummana Mountain on foot and enjoy the views of the magnificent sandstone formations while looking out for birds of prey, including Bonelli’s eagle and the eagle owl. Visit the traditional stone-built village of Dana, where over seventy of the houses have been restored, before descending to the shores of the Dead Sea and driving along its scenic cliff-lined eastern shore to your resort.

Today will be at leisure by the Dead Sea which, at 430m below sea level is the lowest point on dry land on Earth. Here you may experience the unique sensation of floating cork-like in its waters, indulge in spa treatments, and benefit from the region’s special dry climate with its weakened ultraviolet radiation and high oxygen content.

A private transfer will take you to Amman International Airport. On arrival check in for your onward flight.