11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
Please note we may have to alter details of our itinerary slightly depending on weather, access to sites and other unplanned events.
Day 1 6 April 2020
Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel. Depending on guest arrival times we may include a visit to some key locations in Amman such as The Citadel.
Welcome drinks and a run through of your holiday followed by a group dinner savoring some of Jordan's finest traditional dishes.
Day 2 7 April 2020
We head north to Jerash, with morning tea at Jalaad Cultural Centre and its extensive private collection of Arab and international art. After an early lunch at a local restaurant we have a full afternoon for painting at Jerash archeological site with time to explore the ruins and the fine examples of provincial Roman urbanism with the paved and colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and impressive plaza. We will spend several hours here to give you time to capture the afternoon light and be inspired by imagining what life might have been like in the 1st Century.
After painting onsite Jerash we go to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature's cabins in the beautiful Ajloun Forest Reserve for a night in the pine forest.
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Day 3 8 April 2020
From the the cabins of Ajloun, our morning takes us to the site of the medieval Ayyubid Castle (Qal'at Al Rabadh) built in 1184 AD. We enjoy morning tea taking in the expansive views from the top of the castle over the Jordan Valley.Moving further north to another Decapolis city – Umm Qais which was known as Gadara in previous times. Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Yarmouk River and the Sea of Galilee, it is the site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine as well as being the home of several philosophers and poets in Roman times. There is plenty of time to sketch at the museum and the open air. We will take lunch on the terrace of the rest house with its breathtaking view of three countries.
Wine tasting in the evening back in Amman sampling some of Jordan's award winning selection with a light supper.
Day 4 9 April 2020
A morning exploring the Jordan Museum before heading to Madaba and Mt Nebo one of Jordan's most revered religious sites, where Moses is believed to be buried. Standing atop the hill, the breathtaking view can extend to Jerusalem and Bethlehem on a clear day. We then go 400m below sea level for an afternoon relaxing at the Dead Sea with time for a therapeutic float in the mineral rich water.
Day 5 10 April 2020
We head south directly to Wadi Rum. Once there we have a jeep tour of the
major sites of Wadi Rum Protected area such as the Nabatean rock carvings, the natural arched bridges and where 'Lawrence of Arabia' was filmed.
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Sunset painting and drinks with a view and a traditional desert meal before heading to bed at our 'camp' of cabins with private facilities.
Day 6 11 April 2020
For the adventurous, there is the option of a very early start to take a balloon ride to see the desert from above. A magical start to the day! (Price of ballooning is additional and pending availability & weather conditions)
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We have a full workshop day with Peter in our camp to bring together your impressions so far. There is plenty of room to spread and immerse yourself in your work. An evening of stargazing with a glass of wine to wrap up a productive day.
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Photo courtesy of Jane Taylor
Day 7 12 April 2020
After breakfast in Rum you can finally get to see Petra in all its glory. The dramatic walk through the Siq into the Nabatean capital to catch the glimpse of the famed 'Treasury'. We spend all day in the site exploring the temples, the tombs, meeting the bedouin and walking through the ancient city that was once home to 30,000 people.
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We stay at a luxury camp overnight to relax the weary feet and enjoy more start gazing
Day 8 13 April 2020
In the morning there is an option for a 2nd site visit to Petra, or a visit to the new Petra Museum before we head on our way to Dana, 1600 metres above sea level across spectacular mountains with views through the valleys below. A gentle hike around the reserve in the afternoon with the wildflowers in bloom should provide some inspiration. An afternoon of painting the impressions of Petra or the unique landscape of the Dana Biosphere.
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An overnight stay gives us time for a post dinner workshop or a discussion on wok competed so far.
Day 9 14 April 2020
We leave Dana and follow the 2000 year old King's Highway to Kerak, the powerful crusader castle. We return to Amman with a stop for lunch at a splendidly restored fort. After checking back into to our hotel there is some free time to explore the neighborhood and perhaps a gallery visit or two.
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Dinner this evening is at one of the restaurants that is promoting a contemporary fusion Arab cuisine.
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Day 10 15 April 2020
Photo by Jane Taylor
A more leisurely day in Amman we start with a walking tour of the 'downtown' of Amman with the Gold Souk, the vegetable market and even some food tasting along the way.
Time to do some shopping and explore a few of the charming neighborhoods with their galleries, art foundations and specialty shops.
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We meet up for a farewell dinner and reflect on the past 10 days and what we have experience and seen.
Day 11 16 April 2020
Depending on departure times, the day is free for you to gather thoughts, explore cafes and do some more sketching. You will be driven to the airport for your flight home or to other destinations on your trip.