Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & Istanbul

Our adventure begins as we fly from Ireland to Jordan’s capital, Amman, via Istanbul. Depending on our flight times, we will arrive into Amman in either the late evening of Day 1 or the early morning of Day 2. For Irish holidaymakers, a visa is received on arrival, and we will be met by our local representative to ensure a smooth transition to our hotel, where early check-in is guaranteed.

After a morning of rest, we will set off on a panoramic tour of Amman. We will visit the historic Citadel, home to the Temple of Hercules, and explore the impressive Roman Theatre, which is the largest in the country. Our tour continues with visits to the Folklore and Archaeological Museum and King Hussein's Mosque, offering a fantastic introduction to this city built on rolling hills.

Today we enjoy a full-day excursion to the remarkably well-preserved Roman city of Jerash. Walking along the Maximus Cardo, we can admire the towering Doric columns and stunning architecture that has stood for nearly 2,000 years. We will also visit Ajlun Castle, a 12th-century fortress that offers panoramic views and a deep look into the region's medieval military history.

We travel into the Eastern Desert to explore three of Jordan's most significant desert castles: Qasr Kharana, Qasr Amra, and Qasr Al-Azraq. These sites provide excellent examples of early Islamic art and architecture. Later, we visit the Iraq El-Amir Women’s Cooperative, an inspiring project that creates jobs for local women who are known for their fresh produce and traditional crafts.

We head towards the ancient city of Petra, stopping first at Mukawir, the site of John the Baptist's imprisonment. We also visit Umm Ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring incredible Byzantine mosaic floors. Before reaching Petra, we stop at Kerak Castle, a massive Crusader fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley below.

Today is a true highlight of our Jordan Istanbul tour as we spend the full day in the 'Red City' of Petra. We enter through the Siq, a narrow canyon that opens up to reveal the magnificent Treasury (Al Khazneh). Our guided tour explores the Hadrian Gate, the Amphitheatre, and the many rock-cut structures that make this ancient Nabatean capital one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

After visiting the charming site of Little Petra and enjoying lunch, we journey to the desert of Wadi Rum, often called 'The Valley of the Moon'. We will explore the prehistoric carvings and dramatic red dunes by jeep, seeing the landscapes made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia. We conclude the day with a stunning desert sunset before driving to the Red Sea port of Aqaba.

This morning we take a city tour of Aqaba, visiting the historic Aqaba Fort and the Aquarium. We will also wander through the old souq, where you can browse local goods and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. The afternoon is free to spend at your leisure, perhaps relaxing on the beach or taking a swim in the clear waters of the Red Sea.

We travel to Bethany, the site where Jesus Christ was baptised by John the Baptist. We will explore the archaeological findings of the Byzantine monastery and ancient churches that confirm the site's historical importance. By the end of the day, we arrive at our resort on the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

We visit Mount Nebo, the mountaintop where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, offering views across the Jordan Valley. We then move to Madaba, known as the 'City of Mosaics', to see the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. The afternoon is free for us to float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, an experience known for its unique health benefits.

We drive north to the ancient Byzantine city of Umm Qais, a significant city of the Decapolis that offers views over the Sea of Galilee. After a free afternoon for last-minute shopping or relaxing by the pool, we will prepare for our flight to Istanbul. Depending on schedules, we will either fly late this evening or early the following morning.

Upon arrival in the historic city of Istanbul, we will be transferred to our hotel. With early check-in guaranteed, we will have the afternoon free to relax and recharge. This extension is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, giving you the flexibility to start exploring this vibrant city where East meets West.

After breakfast, we enjoy a half-day guided tour of Istanbul by private vehicle. We visit the colourful Fener and Balat districts, famous for their wooden houses and cobbled streets. Our tour also includes a stop at a local church and the world-renowned Blue Mosque, famed for its beautiful Iznik tiles. We will stop for a traditional tea or coffee at a local café to soak up the atmosphere.

Our final full day is free for independent exploration. You might choose to visit the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir with 300 marble columns, or navigate the labyrinthine aisles of the Grand Bazaar. This massive covered market is the perfect place to haggle for souvenirs, leather goods, or Turkish treats while enjoying a glass of apple tea.

We enjoy a final breakfast in Turkey before transferring to the airport for our onward flight back to Ireland, bringing an end to our two-country adventure.