JORDAN
25 November - 3 December 2018
Map of our roadtrip: Amman,
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Day 1
We flew from Athens to Amman, departing 1235 hours and arriving around 1440 hours local time. We took Royal Jordanian Airway, costing us SGD484 for the two of us. The flight was on time and smooth. Upon arrival, we walked to the car rental company to collect our car. We rented VW Polo or similar, and was given Kia K3. The rental cost for 9D8N was 159 JOD. After settling the documentation and checking the car, we head off to Amman city to take some photos and bought some breads for our breakfast before driving to our accommodation for the next 3 nights (Alqimah Modern Apt, about SGD72 a night, which has a free basement carpark). |
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Day 2
After breakfast, we departed Amman to visit the Greco-Roman City of Jerash, also known as the City of the thousand columns. Jerash showcases the grandeur of Imperial Rome (and is sometimes referred to as the Pompeii of the East). It is considered one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the World outside Italy. As the most pristine Decapolis City (meaning ten cities in Greek) in the modern world, Jerash’s prosperity can be admired in the colonnaded main street and lovely Oval Piazza. This place is HUGE and the biggest Roman ruins we've seen so far, a place not to be missed while in Jordan. After we finished with Jerash, we headed to enjoy the magnificent view into the Jordan Valley. Proceeded to visit Um Qais, a city rich with black basalt ruins of the Hellenistic era in which it was known as Gadara, a hilltop site in the north-west corner of Jordan with grand views of the Golan Heights and Lake Tiberius (the Sea of Galilee). Um Qais is also famous for being one of the ten cities that belonged to the Decapolis. Return to Amman. |
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Day 3
After breakfast, we drove to the Desert Castles to visit Al Kharaneh, Qasr Amra and Al Azraqcastles. These were built by the Umayyads to serve as caravan stations and hunting lodges for travelers, where some of their walls and floors are adorned with frescos and fragments of mosaic. The first stop was Al Kharranah, which is about an hour’s drive from Amman (not very big not impressive, can finish within less than an hour). The next stop was Amra Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original paintings on the wall inside the old hunting lodge are impressive and pretty well kept, and you are allowed to take photos and videos inside (worth the visit). The last castle in the northeast located in the town of Azraq is Qasr Al Azraq, which served as the residence of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt. Return to Amman. Overnight at hotel |
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Day 4
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TEXT 5
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Day 6
We woke up early to beat the crowd, and we arrived at Petra visitor centre before 7am. , aptly described as the “rose-red city, half as old as time”. The ancient city was founded by the Nabateans 2000 years ago. Its massive architectural structure and its multicolored stones are an incredible attraction. The visit of the ancient Nabatean capital starts on horseback, followed by a walk through the Siq, a long narrow fissure between two overhanging cliffs. Towards the end of the Siq, you will be spellbound by Petra's most famous monument; the Treasury. The tour then proceeds to gradually unfold the mysteries of the city. Overnight at hotel |
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Day 7
After breakfast proceed to Beida, also known as little Petra and the place where the Nabateans used to entertain their guests. Continue south to the enchanting desert of WadiRum, Jordan's largest desert and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. Jeep Tour inside the Wadi until sunset. Watch the most beautiful view while drinking a cup of traditional Bedouin tea. Transfer to the campsite inside the desert. Typical Bedouin Dinner and overnight at camp. Dinner and overnight at camp. |
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Day 8
After breakfast, we took the free transfer back to Wadi Rum village to pick up our car before heading to Aqaba for short visit. From there, we drove to the lowest point of the world museum and spend about an hour here. Thereafter, we drove to Check in at hotel and free day at leisure. Overnight at hotel |
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Day 9
Enjoyed the public hot spring area in early morning (open to hotel guest only between 7-9am) and had our breakfast after that. |
TRIP PHOTOS - JORDAN