Treasures of the Arabian Peninsula
April 24 - May 5 & October 15 - 26, 2010
Starting at $3,995
Jordan offers travelers a dazzling diversity of ancient sites, great natural beauty, and a tradition of warmth and hospitality. Imagine yourself as a trader on the ancient Silk Road as you walk through the canyon-like Siq at Petra, a hidden city with buildings carved into the rose-red cliffs. Traveling from Amman to the Red Sea, learn about Jordan's history from ancient Roman and biblical times to today. Experience the gracious hospitality of the Jordanians as you meet with a local historian, enjoy lunch with a family, and meet Bedouins in the desert landscape. You'll also admire the beauty of Jordan's natural world as you snorkel in the Red Sea and discover the rejuvenating waters of the Dead Sea. Archaeologist Carter Lupton will offer expertise for the October tour.
Day 1 — Depart
Depart the U.S. for Amman, Jordan.
Day 2 — Amman
Arrive in Jordan’s capital city early this evening and transfer to your hotel. Meet with fellow travelers for an orientation about the journey ahead.
Day 3 — Explore Amman
During a day exploring Jordan's capital, visit the Ottoman-style King Hussein Mosque, the Roman Theatre, and the commanding Citadel. You'll also tour the Gold Market and the bustling streets near the ancient Nymphaeum fountain, and meet with nature preservationists at the Wild Jordan Centre. Enjoy lunch in the home of a local family, then meet with a political historian for an in-depth discussion. This evening, dine on traditional Jordanian cuisine and enjoy Arabic music and dancing.
Day 4 — Ajloun and Jerash
Travel north through scenic pine forests and olive groves to Ajloun, site of Errabadh Castle, which was built in 1184 for protection from the Crusaders. Continue to the magnificently preserved Roman city of Jerash, and explore the colonnaded streets, theaters, churches, and temples that comprise the largest Roman site outside Italy. At Jerash’s newly restored Hippodrome, witness a spectacular reenactment featuring gladiators, chariot racing, and military showmanship.
Day 5 — Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Kerak, Petra
Set out for Petra today, stopping en route in Madaba where a precious Byzantine-era mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land adorns the floor of a local church. Continue to the important pilgrimage site of Mt. Nebo, where many believe Moses is buried. Proceed to the imposing Crusader fortress at Kerak, and reach Petra early this evening.
Day 6 — Petra
Explore this fabled rose-red city, a collection of temples, tombs, civic buildings, and dwellings carved into the sheer rock cliffs by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. Petra was "lost" to all but desert dwellers until its rediscovery in 1812. Enter through the Siq, the long, narrow rock chamber, and spend the day exploring Petra's dramatic Treasury, Monastery, 3,000-seat theater, colonnaded streets, rock-cut tombs, and shrines.
Day 7 — Petra and Al Beida
Return to Petra in the morning for more time among the ruins, then visit nearby Al Beida (Little Petra), an ancient suburb that resembles Petra itself. Learn how to prepare sumptuous regional cuisine as an "apprentice" with local experts at Petra Kitchen, where you'll dine amid a traditional ambiance.
Day 8 — Wadi Rum and Aqaba
Drive south to Wadi Rum, a dramatic panorama of ancient valleys, and towering sandstone monoliths. Join a Bedouin driver on a jeep ride through this other-worldly
landscape. After lunch, continue to Aqaba.
Day 9 — Aqaba
Discover the beauty of the Red Sea during a special snorkeling excursion. Enjoy the excitement of close-up views of clownfish, Picasso triggerfish, parrotfish, sea anemone, and other residents of the reef. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of our beach resort. After dinner at the hotel, set out for a beautiful sunset cruise.
Day 10 — Aqaba and the Dead Sea
Travel today to the legendary Dead Sea. Learn about the rare topography of this region at the Dead Sea Panorama, a geological museum with magnificent views of the water. Arrive at your hotel early this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure to "float" in the sea's therapeutic waters.
Day 11 — Dead Sea and Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Take an excursion to the Baptism Site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the area along the Jordan River where John the Baptist lived and Jesus was baptized. Since 1996, archaeologists have unearthed 20 churches, caves, and baptismal pools dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Following an afternoon at leisure gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 12 — Depart for U.S.
Depart from the Amman airport for the U.S.
Tour Highlights:
This tour is one of our Smithsonian Journeys Signature tours and is designed for small groups of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers. Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by one of our exceptional Smithsonian Study Leaders, all top experts in their fields. This tour represents outstanding travel value, featuring included international airfare.
Rebecca Foote has been an archaeologist in Jordan for over twenty years, specializing in Islamic architecture. Rebecca received her Ph.D from Harvard University and is currently head of catalogue publications for the Khalili Islamic art Collection in London. Rebecca will lead the April departure. Carter Lupton is an archaeologist and vice president for museum programs for the Milwaukee Public Museum. Much of his career has focused on the ancient Near East, and he has participated in major archaeological excavations in Egypt and Syria. Carter will lead the October departure.
Engage in a cultural exchange during lunch with a local Amman family.
Meet with a local Amman historian to discuss the current political climate of Jordan.
Enjoy an adventurous jeep-ride through the ethereal desert landscape of Wadi Rum.
Speak with a marine biologist in Aqaba about the colorful marine life of the Red Sea.
Learn how to prepare sumptuous regional cuisine as an apprentice with local experts at Petra Kitchen and enjoy your authentic and hands-on dining experience.
