The Passport of Passion

This day begins with the discovery of the Desert Castles in Jordan, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, erected during the reign of the Umayyad dynasty. Situated east of Amman along the routes from Damascus to Medina or Kufa, these structures share common features such as fortified appearances and organization around a central courtyard. Serving as caravanserais, isolated baths, or hunting pavilions, these castles, among the best-preserved like Qasr Al-Qastal and Qasr Al-Muwaqqar, bear witness to an architecture that is both functional and diplomatic.

After a leisurely lunch on-site, explore the Azraq Wetland Reserve, a blue oasis in the heart of the eastern desert, offering a variety of birds, from local species to rare migratory ones. A hike will allow you to admire water buffalo and magnificent birds.

Discover the historical site of Umm Qais, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights, and the Sea of Galilee. Take part in a guided tour of the Greco-Roman ruins, including the theater, paved streets, and ancient columns. Then, indulge in lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying views of the surrounding landscapes while savoring traditional Jordanian dishes. Continue with a 3-hour hike through the nearby hills, appreciating the natural beauty and tranquility of the region while exploring historical trails. Finally, conclude this day by relishing a traditional dinner with a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Today, we will head to northern Jordan to explore the Greco-Roman city of Jerash.

The city of Jerash flourished during the Roman rule, known then as Gerasa. This site is considered one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. Hidden under sand for several centuries before being discovered and restored over a period of 70 years, Jerash is the epitome of Roman urban planning, expansive and formal, throughout the Middle East. It is adorned with paved, colonnaded streets, immense temples on hilltops, charming theaters, spacious public squares, baths, fountains, and walls pierced by towers and gates.

Lunch will be hosted by a community of women preparing traditional local cuisine. This association helps to improve their standard of living by increasing their income and preserving the local heritage.

Then, we'll head to visit Ajloun. The Ajloun region is rich in history, due to its mild climate, dense forests, and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in the numerous archaeological ruins scattered throughout the woods and surrounding villages. The reserve itself harbors a wide variety of plants and wildlife and is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Visit to Ajloun Castle, one of the region's most prominent ancient monuments. It overlooks the lush hills and can be seen for miles around.

Today, we begin our exploration of the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on land in the world, situated 429 meters below sea level. Its salt content is ten times higher than that of the ocean, allowing people to effortlessly float. In reality, it is more of an extensive salt lake than a true sea. Unfortunately, it is in danger of disappearing, having lost nearly a third of its surface area over the past 50 years.

Though toxic to higher organisms such as fish (hence its moniker "Dead"), the Dead Sea harbors microscopic organisms such as single-celled algae and plankton. Its water and mud are renowned for their benefits to the skin (Dead Sea mud masks are popular in Jordan) as well as for alleviating rheumatic problems.

Lunch will be at your leisure at the Dead Sea.

Afterward, you can experience floating in this unique salty water and enjoy the therapeutic virtues of its mud.

Today, you embarked on a meditation and discovery walk in the heart of the Dana Nature Reserve. This natural reserve is home to numerous endemic plants, thanks to the presence of four different climate zones.

Lunch was provided during the excursion.

During these three hours of walking, your guide scheduled 15-minute moments of silence, allowing you to better appreciate the environment and immerse yourself in the serenity emanating from nature. During this excursion, we took the time to have lunch outdoors, enjoying the natural beauty surrounding us.

Petra, also known as the "Rose City," is a historic and archaeological site located in southern Jordan, renowned for its monumental structures carved into the pink sandstone, notably the Khazneh (or Treasury), a richly decorated mausoleum. Visitors access Petra through the Siq, an impressive 1.2-kilometer gorge leading directly to the Khazneh. Among the most remarkable monuments are the Qasr el-Bint, an imposing temple whose facade surpasses that of the Khazneh and the Great Temple. Perched atop Jebel al-Madhbah, the High Place of Sacrifice offers spectacular views of Petra and Jebel Haroun.
This morning, we enter the Petra site through the main entrance of the City. We traverse the famous Siq and discover the Treasury of Petra. Lunch will be provided during the excursion. Then, we reach the Greco-Roman amphitheater and ascend to the Royal Tombs. The tour also includes the Byzantine Church, the Great Gate, the Great Temple, and the Qasr al-Bint.
For dinner, you will be hosted by a Bedouin family. You will taste local specialties and learn more about the daily life of the region's inhabitants.

Wadi Rum, also known as the "Valley of the Moon," is Jordan's largest wadi, located near the Saudi border, approximately 60 km east of Aqaba. This diverse desert landscape is characterized by iron-rich sandstone mountains and flat valleys composed of alluvial sediments, wind-blown sands, and salt flats.

Today, a 4x4 pickup awaits us at the Visitor Center for a desert excursion. Our first 4x4 ride lasts approximately 3 hours and takes us out of the reserve, along the old tracks of the Ottoman railway and the legendary Hejaz train that connected Damascus to Mecca.

We explore the northern part of the reserve, discovering the impressive Seven Pillars of Wisdom mountain, Lawrence's Spring, the Nabatean temple, and Ain Shalaleh Spring. We also visit the Jabal al Khazali canyon, adorned with Thamudic and Kufic inscriptions dating back to the early centuries of Islam.

Lunch will be served in the desert.

The traditional dinner takes place at the campsite, under the starry sky of Wadi Rum.

Early in the morning, embark on a hot air balloon excursion in Wadi Rum, lasting one hour, offering a unique panoramic view at sunrise.

Then, we head to the Red Sea to visit the seaside city of Aqaba. With its beaches, globally renowned diving sites, and lively and relaxed atmosphere, Aqaba is the perfect place to extend your vacation and simply unwind.

Lunch will be at your leisure.

Here's an overview of the optional activities you can enjoy in Aqaba: Diving in the Red Sea waters, visiting the Sherif al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque, exploring the Mamluk Castle, birdwatching at the Aqaba Bird Observatory.

transfer to the airport and assistance with departure formalities.
Safe travels and bon voyage!