After breakfast we will leave Jerusalem and head to the border to cross into Jordan. Our first stop will be Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded. From there we will head to Petra in Wadi Musa, Jordan.

Machaerus in Jordan:

Unsurprisingly, Machaerus is situated on a high plateau, providing strategic military advantages. Both trade routes, as well as neighboring territories can be seen from the fortress. Originally, this structure was built by the Hasmonean king, Alexander Jannaeus in the 1st century BCE. Later, it was then expanded by Herod the Great. The complex includes a palace, fortified walls, as well as a citadel and others various structures. 

Famously, this fortress is associated with the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. According to the New Testament, Herod Antipas ordered the beheading of John the Baptist at the request of Salome, the daughter of Herodias. This incident is described in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

Overnight near Petra, Jordan.

Today we will explore one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; Petra. In addition to hiking to the monastery there will be free time to explore the tombs and temples carved into red sandstone.

Petra:

Features-

Situated in the rugged mountains of southern Jordan, near the town of Wadi Musa, we find Petra. Formerly the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 4th century BCE, and later it became a major trading hub. Distinctively, Petra features elaborate rock-cut architecture. The city is known for its buildings carved directly into rose-red cliffs, including the famous Al-Khazneh (the Treasury). Currently, the Treasury serves as the iconic symbol of Petra, and can even be seen featured in Indiana Jones.

Jordan’s Trade Hub – 

The Nabataean people were skilled traders, including in control of the key trade routes of the ancient world. Strategically located, the city allowed the Nabataean people to amass wealth through trade in spices and incense, as well as other valuable commodities. Petra is located along the Silk Road portion of Jordan, therefore making it a vital trade center in the ancient world. Regions affected were the Arabian Peninsula and Mediterranean regions, including Egypt. In order to support the city’s population, the Nabataeans established a sophisticated water management system, including dams and cisterns.

Decline & Rediscovery –

In the 2nd century CE, Petra came under Roman rule, and the city continued to thrive as a regional trading center. However, in the 3rd century, Petra’s decline initiated. Partly due to changes in trading routes and economic patterns, the city gradually fell into obscurity. By the 7th century, it was largely abandoned, remaining lost to the Western world for centuries. Eventually, Petra was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812.  Since, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

In the evening we will drive to the Wadi Rum for a Bedouin dinner under the stars in the desert before spending the night in a modernized Bedouin tent.

We start our day with breakfast and then we are off for our Jeep tour and Camel ride of the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan. After which, we enjoy a Bedouin lunch before heading north to visit Shobak; a Crusader’s Castle. Later in the day we journey to the Ma’in Hot Springs Resort. There we enjoy the natural thermal hot springs and overnight at the resort.

Wadi Rum:

Also known as the Valley of the Moon, the Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness located in southern Jordan. Characterized by its stunning landscapes of dramatic sandstone mountains and narrow canyons, as well as unique rock formations. Culturally, the Wadi Rum has a rich history. For example, the Nabataeans inhabited the region, and have left traces of their presence, including rock inscriptions and petroglyphs. The Wadi Rum has gained international fame as a popular location for filming. These unique Martian-like landscapes have been featured in various movies, including “Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Martian,” Star Wars, and the live action Aladdin.

Shobak:

Situated on a hilltop in southern Jordan, we find the Crusader’s Castle: Shobak. Strategically, this fortress is positioned to have controlled the trade routes, as well as provide defense for the region. Originally, the fortress was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, specifically by Baldwin 1 of Jerusalem, around 1115 AD. Furthermore, it became a part of a series of Crusader castles erected in the area during the medieval period. Shobak played a significant role during the Crusader era as a military stronghold. Additionally, it served as a key defense point for the protection of trade routes, as well as Christian settlements.

 This castle features elements typical of Crusader military architecture, including thick defensive walls, towers and a moat. Designs of the Castle reflect both European and Middle Eastern influences. Overall, it showcases the cultural exchange that occurred during this historical period. Eventually, the fortress was captured by the Ayyubids in 1189 under the leadership of Salah ad-Din. After changing hands between various rulers, it progressively fell into a state of decline and abandonment.

Breakfast at Ma’in Hot Springs Resort before heading north to Madaba to visit St. George Church. 

Afterwards we will visit Mount Nebo. Mount Nebo is noted as the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his departure of the Israelites. 

From the Mount we will drive to Amman and visit the Citadel and other sites before we have our final Farewell Dinner.

Depart Tel-Aviv Airport for home.