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
You will be met at the Airport, guided through customs and immigration then transferred to your Amman 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
We start our tour heading straight to Madaba known for its well preserved Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics with time to view the magnificent 6th Century mosaic in the St George church. Lunch in Madaba, at a traditional family house then to 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. Down 400m below sea level for an afternoon relaxing at the Dead Sea with a therapeutic float in the mineral rich waters before heading back to Amman.
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Wine tasting in the evening sampling some of Jordan's award winning selection with a light supper.
Day 3
We head to Jerash, with morning tea at Jalaad Cultural Centre and its extensive private collection of Arab 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.
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We spend the night at the Ajloun RSCN cabins in the Ajloun woodlands amongst the oak and pistachio trees.
Day 4
After breakfast we go to 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 in the open air. We will take lunch on the terrace of the rest house with its breathtaking view of three countries.
Returning to Amman, dinner is at a local restaurant giving you the chance to try more of Jordan's wonderful cuisine.
Day 5
We start with a visit to the new Jordan Museum in Amman before we drive south to Mujib Panorama and finally Petra. We follow the 2000 year old King's Highway for most of the trip.
During the 4 hour drive to Petra, we leave behind the stark desert landscapes and travel up to 1600 metres above sea level across spectacular mountains with views through the valleys below.
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We stay in our luxury 'camp' to rest up for the visit to Petra the next day.
Day 6
Finally you will 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. Lunch on site and for the energetic, the hike up 800 steps to the Monastery is worth it.
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In the afternoon we take the 2 hour drive to Wadi Rum with dinner at our camp with cabins each with private facilities, some painting after dinner or some recapping of the beauty of Petra.
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Day 7
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)
We spend the morning morning painting at the camp then go on a jeep tour of the Wadi Rum Protected area to see the Nabatean rock carvings, the natural arched bridges and where 'Lawrence of Arabia' was filmed. Painting breaks along the journey followed by sunset drinks with a view.
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Photo courtesy of Jane Taylor
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Day 8
We return to Amman via Dana Biosphere with its sensational views with time for painting, hiking and bird watching. Explore the village, take a gentle or strenuous hike or set up the easel to paint a most extraordinary landscape.
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We stop at a fort that has been renovated into a wonderful restaurant for dinner before checking back into your Amman hotel.
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Day 9
Photo by Jane Taylor
A more leisurely morning in Amman to explore a few of the charming neighborhoods with their galleries, art foundations and specialty shops.
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The afternoon is freetime to continue exploring on your own or relax in a coffee shop or on the terrace of the hotel.
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Dinner this evening is your choice with recommendations by us as a group or individually.
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Day 10
The morning starts with a walking tour through the 'downtown' of Amman with the gold souk, the vegetable market and even some food tasting along the way.
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We find out more about Jordanian artists perhaps with an atelier visit, meeting artists and more galleries.
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We meet up for a farewell dinner and reflect on the past 10 days and what you have experienced and seen.
Day 11
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.
