Jordan and Syria—Roman Ruins, Crusader Castles, And the Lost City of Petra

Lawrence’s Arabia

Tour Cost Departures & Leaders Trip Rating Download Full Itinerary Route Map Suggested Reading List Reserve This Trip Terms & Conditions

"I am haunted by the majesty of the desert, the sun, sand, and stone, and the warm hospitality of the people..." Judith Doyon, Wasilla AK

The powerful sweep of human history is evident everywhere in Jordan and Syria. We discover it in dazzling Roman cities and Crusader castles, in incredible Petra, one of the world’s grandest archaeological sites, in the haunting setting of the Dead Sea, and in lost desert outposts like glorious Palmyra, the 2nd century oasis once ruled by Zenobia, the queen who dared to challenge Rome. Incredible landscapes and welcoming cultures abound in these alluring ancient lands, as we discover when we explore the redrock canyons of Wadi Rum, haunt of T. E. Lawrence, immersed in the power and silence of the desert as we camp in the traditional world of the Bedouins.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Amman, Jordan / Petra

We visit Mt. Nebo, from which Moses glimpsed the Promised Land, and Madaba, with its worldfamous Roman mosaics, then head to “rose-red” Petra, lost city of the Nabateans. Elaborate temples of red sandstone handhewn from canyon walls in the 3rd century BC are the hallmark of unique Petra.

Days 4-5
Wadi Rum

Massive rock peaks rise out of pink sands at Wadi Rum, where British officer T. E. Lawrence was based during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Today the desert Bedouins roam these sands with their camels, and we camp with them for a chance to hike or ride a camel in their magnificent desert world.

Days 6-7
Dead Sea / Bethany / Crusader Castles

We relax at a 5-star spa resort on the Dead Sea, visit Bethany, where Jesus was baptized, then head out to visit the 12th century castles of the Crusader knights.

Days 8-12
Jerash / Damascus, Syria / Crac des Chevaliers / Aleppo

After we explore the great Roman city of Jerash, we cross into Syria and head to ancient Damascus. From the massive Crusader castle of Crac des Chevaliers, we continue to lovely Apamea, capital of Roman Syria, to walk the mile-long colonnaded streets. In the great medieval trading city of Aleppo, we roam covered bazaars with a Thousand and One Nights atmosphere.

Days 13-16
Palmyra / Damascus

As we explore Palmyra’s monumental gateway and amphitheaters, we consider the fantastic odyssey of Queen Zenobia, who conquered Egypt and parts of Asia. Her city is one of the great archaeological sites of the world, encircled by desert. Depart via Damascus on Day 16.

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs $3695 (11-15 members) $3895 (8-10 members) $4295 (4-7 members) Single supplement: $595 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Route Map

© Wilderness Travel  |  Contact Us  |  1-800-368-2794

Privacy Policy | Site Map | Home | Free Catalog | About WT | Our Trips
E-Newsletter | Reserve a Trip | Contact Us | Private Journeys | Exploratories
Special Events | Testimonials | Special Offers | Photo Gallery | Toucan Club

All content and photography within this website is copyrighted and
may not be reproduced without the express permission of Wilderness Travel.  CST 1007696-40