TRAVEL BACK IN TIME THROUGH JORDAN
The Middle East is not often top of mind as a tourist destination but the confluence of ancient cultures, world religions, archeology, and geopolitics offers an abundance of riches unparalleled in other areas of the world. Tauck Tours has been bringing curious travelers to the region for years and has an insider’s access to the most educated and engaging guides, the best properties, and a world class logistical team to move travelers seamlessly from place to place.
Morning sun on the Jerash theater
Our tour began in the capital city at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, a shiny newcomer to the hotel scene. The soaring marble lobby with crystal chandeliers set the stage for a glamorous stay. Large, comfortable rooms, a shimmering tile pool and spa, and world class restaurants made for a very soft landing after a long flight. There is plenty to see and do in Amman, both modern and ancient, but we opted to drive to Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world hidden in the sand for millennia. A short drive away we explored Mt. Nebo, the site where Moses died after climbing up to to see the Promised Land. The spirituality of the place, so prominent in biblical history, was unmistakable.
The Treasury at Petra
Our next stop was Petra, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and and a Must See. The landscapes were striking and the preserved archeology carved into the towering rock was outstanding. Many know Petra only from images of this famous carving shared on social media or seen in Indiana Jones, The Temple of Doom but there is so much more to the 100 square mile site. Plan on several days to explore the ancient ruins scattered throughout the canyons.
Otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum
Another highlight was the Wadi Rum Reserve. The lunar landscapes are as jaw-dropping in person as they are in the movies. Star Wars, Dune, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Martian were all filmed here. In fact, we enjoyed a short trip on the rail line that was blown up in Lawrence of Arabia including a reenactment of the resistance charging in on camels and horseback. Fabulous!
Soaking in the waters and views at the Movenpick Dead Sea Resort
Our final stop was a spa resort at the Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley. Attracting travelers from around the Mediterranean Basin for thousands of years, the Dead Sea was one of the world’s first health resorts (for Herod the Great) and the mineral rich waters remain a draw to this day. We floated effortlessly in the highly-saline waters, rubbed ourselves in seabed mud, and then headed to the spa for a variety of treatments. We also made a pilgrimage to nearby Bethany where Jesus was baptized. Many churches have been built on this holy ground and the ruins of ancient churches at the baptismal site have been excavated and preserved. We stepped into the Jordan River as pilgrims on the opposite bank in Israel were baptized.
the takeaway
Jordan is teeming with archeological treasures, stunning geology, and significant history. It marks the intersection of ancient trading routes between east and west and is important to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Having a local professional guide to make sense of it all is absolutely essential and this is where Tauck really shines. Our guide had earned advanced degrees in Archeology and Anthropology and was adept at weaving together a rich tapestry of ancient and modern history and personal stories that provided perspective and context to our diverse group. And this last piece is the X-factor on Tauck trips: experiencing new places and cultures with other travelers builds profound connection. Expect to deepen relationships with your traveling companions and form new lifelong friendships with others on the tour.
Tauck’s current itineraries combine Jordan with Israel or Egypt. As a certified Tauck Advisor, I will help identify the best itinerary for you and then design custom extensions before and after to fit your style and interests perfectly. Making the most of your precious leisure time is what I do best. Planning made simple, travel made perfect!