Jordan & Lebanon Express
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich histories of Jordan and Lebanon. Your adventure begins in Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital, where you'll be transferred to your hotel upon arrival, with time to settle in before the explorations commence. The following day delves deep into antiquity, starting with a visit to Jerash, renowned for possessing some of the most extensive and well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Returning to Amman, known as the 'white city', you'll explore millennia of history at the Citadel, encompassing the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, followed by the impressive Roman Theatre. The day is enriched with a lively street food tasting experience in Downtown Amman and concludes with an insightful evening visit to the Wild Jordan Centre, supporting local conservation efforts.
The journey south unfolds along the scenic King's Highway, a route offering picturesque views of deep wadis and rural villages. Stops include Madaba, famous for the ancient Byzantine mosaic map in St. George's Church, and Mount Nebo, offering panoramic vistas towards the Holy Land. After traversing the dramatic Wadi al-Mujib gorge, you'll visit the imposing Crusader fortress of Shobak Castle before arriving in Petra. Here, optional evening activities provide a magical introduction to the city, choosing between the atmospheric Petra by Candlelight experience or a hands-on Jordanian cooking class at the Petra Kitchen (pre-booking recommended). The next day is dedicated entirely to the awe-inspiring Nabataean city of Petra. Following a guided tour through the narrow Siq canyon, revealing the breathtaking Treasury facade carved into the rock, you'll have ample free time to explore this vast site independently. Discover countless tombs, the Roman amphitheatre, and consider challenging climbs to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for incredible views and a deeper appreciation of this world wonder.
Leaving Petra's rock-hewn marvels, you'll drive into the spectacular desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Experience the magic of the desert with an overnight stay in a comfortable Bedouin camp nestled amongst towering sandstone cliffs. An included jeep safari reveals the dramatic 'jebels' and unique rock formations famed by T.E. Lawrence. Enhance your desert experience with optional activities like camel riding, quad biking, a serene hot air balloon flight at dawn, or stargazing under the clear desert skies after enjoying a traditional Bedouin dinner. The following morning, after further exploration via jeep, the journey continues north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Check into your resort on its shores and enjoy ample time to experience the unique buoyancy of the salt-rich waters, indulge in therapeutic mud treatments, or simply relax. For the adventurous (typically April-October), an optional trek through the water-filled canyons of nearby Wadi Mujib is available.
Day six marks the transition to Lebanon, with a transfer to Amman airport for your flight to Beirut (please note this flight cost is not included). Upon arrival in Beirut, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The Lebanese leg of your adventure begins by heading north to the stunning Jeita Grotto, a vast system of limestone caves filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Harissa, taking a cable car up to the mountain-top shrine for breathtaking coastal views. The day also includes a visit to the unique Baatara Gorge sinkhole and waterfall (seasonal), exploration of Douma Village with an included traditional lunch, before reaching the serene Qadisha Valley for an overnight stay in a monastery or local guesthouse.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Qadisha Valley (Holy Valley) the next morning, perhaps joining the monks for prayers, before visiting Becharre, birthplace of Kahlil Gibran, and the iconic Cedars of God reserve. The day concludes in the ancient Phoenician port city of Byblos, another UNESCO site, brimming with millennia of history. Enjoy a free morning exploring Byblos' charming markets and harbour before travelling inland. A highlight is the visit to Ksara Winery, Lebanon's oldest, for a tour of its historic caves and a wine tasting session, before continuing to Zahle.
The penultimate day offers a spectacular immersion in history with a visit to the colossal Roman temple complex at Baalbek (Heliopolis), one of the most impressive Roman sites globally. Afterwards, explore the well-preserved 8th-century Umayyad city of Anjar in the Bekaa Valley, showcasing remarkable early Islamic urban planning, before driving back to Beirut for the final night. Your comprehensive tour concludes on day eleven with free time for last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping in Beirut before your included transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Throughout the tour, breakfasts are included daily, along with specific lunches and dinners as detailed in the itinerary.
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