Jordan & Lebanon Express

This great value Jordan and Lebanon tour is packed with all the main sights in each country and is designed to fit a low budget without compromising what you see and do. Starting in Amman, Jordan, we first visit the well preserved Roman remains at Jerash before following the scenic Kings Highway through the centre of Jordan, stopping to see the Roman Mosaics at Madaba, enjoy the views from Mount Nebo, marvel at the grandeur and size of Wadi Mujib and explore the crumbling remains of the huge crusader castle at Kerak. This all brings us to Jordan's most popular attraction, the hidden 'Rose Red' city of Petra. We set aside a full day here with a guided tour and free time to explore further. Next we take a 4x4 jeep safari through the spectacular desert scenery with its towering rocky 'jebels' at Wadi Rum, famous for its links with Lawrence of Arabia. We'll spend a night in a comfortable Bedouin camp under the stars here. Then return to Amman with a stop to enjoy a dip/float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea - a must-do experience. We'll then take a flight to Beirut (not included - see Day 6 of the itinerary). Arriving in Beirut, we begin our journey heading north to the spectacular caves of the Jeita Grotto, before taking the cable car to Harissa from where you'll be rewarded with 360° views of the Mediterranean coastline and cities below. Next, we have another nature wonder in store with a visit to the Baatara Gorge sinkhole and waterfall. We'll spend a night in a working monastery and hike in the Qadisha Valley and nearby Cedars National Park before heading to Byblos, often considered to be the worlds oldest continually inhabited settlement. Continuing with the tour, we make time for a well deserved break, with a visit to the Ksara Winery, where you'll tour the caves which are used as a wine cellar. Our last visits of the week are perhaps some of the most impressive. Firstly we'll explore the ancient temple of Baalbek, which is believed to have been a site of worship since at least 9000 BC. We'll also explore the impressively well planned city of Anjar nearby before returning to Beirut where our journey will come to an end.