Escorted Tours
Highlights of Jordan including Istanbul extension From €3,699 Per Person
€3,699
Per Person
Overview
Journey with us through the most fascinating sights of the Middle East on this 14-night holiday to Jordan and Turkey. We’ll visit some of the oldest and most breath taking sites in the world as we travel through lands rich in religious history. Float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea on the lowest geographical point of earth, drive by jeep through the desert where Lawrence of Arabia led his troops and wander through forts and castles that contain some of the oldest ruins in the world. As if Jordan wasn’t impressive enough, this holiday included a three day stay in Istanbul at the end of our tour. Enjoy a city tour with a local guide as well as ample time to explore this incredible city at a leisurely pace.
Please Note: Out bound and return flights will be via Istanbul.
Available Dates
(All Departing From Dublin)
19th September 2025.
21st November 2025.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Travel To Jordan):
Let’s begin our adventure to Jordan! Today we travel to Jordan’s capital, Amman, via Istanbul.
Depending on flight times we will arrive into Amman in the late evening on Day 1 or the early morning of Day 2 on an overnight flight with early check-in guaranteed.
Day 2 (Amman):
After arriving into Amman either the day before or early in the morning on Day 2, this afternoon we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Amman, the capital of Jordan. Here, we will visit the Citadel, the home of the Temple of Hercules. It dates back to Roman and Byzantine times but some of the ruins go as far back as the Bronze Age. We will also explore the Roman Theatre, the largest theatre in Jordan, the Folklore and Archeological Museum and King Hussein’s Mosque and see why this city built on rolling hills is one of the most interesting in the Middle East.
Day 3 (Jerash):
Today you will enjoy a full-day excursion to the Roman city of Jerash, accompanied by your local guide. In the ruins of this ancient city you will see stunning Roman architecture that is in remarkable condition considering it is nearly 2,000 years old. Walk down the Maximum Cardo and gaze up at the Doric columns, before checking our Ajlun Castle, a fortress built in AD1184 that has survived two earthquakes.
Day 4 (Amman):
Today, let’s explore 3 of the most preserved Castles in the Eastern Desert starting with Qasr Kharana, then Qasr Amra, ending with Qasr Al-Azraq. CXastles are built between 7th and 8th Century and give impressive examples of Islamic Art and Architecture.
Then you will visit the Iraq El-Amir in Amman which is a Women Cooperative Society founded with the aim of creating job opportunities for women in the Iraq El-Amir village, located outside of Amman. The women at Iraq Al Amir are renowned for their fresh and delicious produce, often catering for visitors and clients!
Day 5 (Transfer To Petra):
Today, let’s discover Mukawir, known as Machaerus and it is the location of the imprisonment and beheading of John the Baptists, following by the visit of Umm Ar-Rasas, an archeological site which contains ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim civilizations. Among the portions excavated so far include a military camp and several churches. For its unique blend of civilizations, Um Ar-Rasas was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The most important discovery on the site was the mosaic floor of the Church of St Stephen.
Let’s continue our journey to the ancient city of Petra with a visit en-route to Kerak Castle, a large crusader castle perched on a hilltop overlooking a vast valley, it is one of the three largest castles in the Levant Area.
Day 6 (Petra):
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the magical ‘Red City’ of Petra, an ancient city famous for its rock cut architecture, water conduits and pink stone structures. Walking through the Siq to enter the city makes the experience even more jaw dropping, as do the buildings. The Greek temple of Al Khazneh, the Hadrian Gate, the courthouse, and the Amphitheatre are many of the notable structures that you should not miss when visiting this hidden gem. The actual place where Lawrence of Arabia led his revolt, and featured in the films Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade and Arabian Nights, Petra is no ordinary Middle Eastern city.
Day 7 (Transfer To Aqaba):
After a morning visiting the wonderful Little Petra, followed by lunch at Hyatt Zaman, get ready for an exciting afternoon excursion to the desert of Wadi Rum, also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’. Your excursion will include a jeep tour of the desert, where you can see prehistoric carvings in the rock walls. This desert was also used as the setting for Peter O’Toole’s film Lawrence of Arabia. Enjoy a memorable time watching the sunset in the middle of the desert.
Then you will be back on the road for an hour drive to Aqaba, located at the edge of the Red Sea and well known for its seabed. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel in Aqaba.
Day 8 (Aqaba):
This morning a nice city tour of Aqaba is waiting for you! Your guide will escort you through the Aqaba Fort, the oldest church in the world and the Aqaba Aquarium before walking in the old souq where you can do some shopping.
You will have your afternoon at leisure so you can enjoy some relaxing time at the beach.
Day 9 (Transfer To Dead Sea):
Today you will visit the town of Bethany, where Jesus performed his biggest miracle: raising Lazarus from the dead. It is also believed to be the place of his baptism. Wander around the baptismal site’s archaeological findings dating back to the 1st Century AD, confirming the site was inhabited during the lives of Jesus and John the Baptist with a Byzantine monastery and churches. At the end of the day, you will arrive at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
Day 10 (Dead Sea):
This morning you will be taken to explore more significant holy sites. At Mount Nebo, gaze over the Promised Land of Moses, and see one of the oldest maps in the world at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Geogre.
On your free afternoon, enjoy the experience of a swim in the mineral rich water of the Dead Sea, which is renowned for curing all and any skin ailments.
Day 11 (Fly To Istanbul):
This morning let’s drive north to visit the ancient city in Northern Jordan is Byzantine Umm Qais, an important city of the Decapolis where poets and artists were inspired. You can enjoy the panoramic views from ancient Byzantine city of Umm Qais, where Christ a place where Jesus Christ is said to have performed an exorcism.
You will have a free afternoon for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing. Why not go for a dip in the hotel’s pool or relax at the spa?
Day 12 (Istanbul):
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon will be at leisure, to relax and recharge the batteries.
Please Note: Your extension in Istanbul is based on an individual rather than a group format.
Day 13 (Experience Istanbul On Half Day Guided Tour):
Join us for a half day guided tour as we uncover some of Istanbul’s ancient wonders!
Dive deeper into this lively and dynamic city with an unforgettable day of exploration!
After breakfast, we transfer by coach to the picturesque Fener-Balat neighbourhood. This charming area is ideal for budding photographers, with its colourful streets, antique shops, lively staircases, and historic wooden houses-ideal for capturing those Instagram moments. Your visit will also feature a stop at a unique church, adding a tour of history to your journey on your walking tour.
Next, we transfer by coach into the heart of Istanbul’s old city. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque, the ancient Egyptian Obelisks, and the Roman Hippodrome, and enjoy a stroll past the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
During today’s excursion, we’ll pause to savour a cup of Turkish coffee or tea in Balat/Fener or Sultanahmet.
Istanbul is a captivating blend of the ancient and the modern, with a skyline that showcases everything from towering skyscrapers to historic mosques, temples, and churches. Spend your afternoon at your leisure, whether you choose to explore more of this fascinating city or simple relax. Our expert guide will be delighted to offer recommendations for must-visit spots of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Please Note: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
Day 14 (At Leisure):
You will have today free to take in some sightseeing and shopping at your own pace. You might like to visit the Underground Cistern, a fascinating network of water channels and ornamental pillars, dating back to Roman times. Another Istanbul highlight is the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling, lively covered market where you can haggle with vendors while drinking apple tea and enjoying the unique atmosphere.
Day 15 (Return Home):
Let’s depart Turkey today filled with great memories of our holiday.
Includes
What’s Included:
Flights & Accommodation
Transfers
Fully Guided
Half Board
B&B