Grandeur of Petra, Splendors of JordanWith Professor Gary Rollefson
May 22 - June 4, 2011
The Royal Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a charming land that has preserved a remarkable character unlike any other in the Near East. Ruled by King Abdullah, the people have an unparalleled reputation for hospitality, from the office worker in the city to the Bedouin in his desert camp. Parts of the country are so rich in archaeology that it is literally impossible not to step tens of thousands of years back into time. The unique majesty of Petra, the Roman splendor of Jerash, and the elegant Umayyad fortress-palaces scattered in the eastern desert are only a few of the major attractions. And in addition to a splendid wealth of ancient cities, castles, Christian churches, and mosaic 
masterpieces, the landscape offers some of the most breathtaking vistas to be had anywhere on earth.
This 14-day trip has been designed to give an understanding and appreciation of the country and its compelling history. The itinerary includes several highlights, including private tours of the archaeological site at Petra, the marvelous repository of Nabataean culture, and ACOR, the American Center of Oriental Research. Here we will enjoy a private tour of collections, including the intriguing Petra Scrolls.
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(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Depart the United States on our archaeological tour on our flight to Amman.
Day 2: Arrive Amman. Overnight for five nights in the al Qasr, a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
Day 3: Amman’s Citadel dominates the city of Amman. At the National Archaeological Museum the Dead Sea Scrolls found in 1952 are one of the most important exhibits as are the unique figures found at ‘Ain Ghazal by Dr. Gary Rollefson. Continue to the nearby 8th century Umayyad Palace, the Temple of Hercules dedicated to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd-century, and a small Byzantine church. Learn of the Roman city while viewing the amphitheater that seats 6,000 people and the restored odeon. ‘Ain Ghazal is the afternoon exploration. Our final visit is to the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR), where the director will give us a private tour including seeing the Petra Scrolls. This evening, enjoy our welcome dinner party in one of Amman’s elegant restaurants. (B/L/D)
Day 4: One of the best-preserved examples of medieval Arab military architecture in the Middle East is the 12th-century Ajlun Castle. Explore the fortress before driving to the dramatically located ancient city, Umm Quais, perched on a high plain overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. At Pella, see mud-brick houses and defense walls dating from the Bronze and Iron age, and later remains from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of Amman's superb restaurants. (B/L)
Day 5: Today travel east of Amman along ancient desert tracks to explore several dazzling Umayyad palaces. Qasr al-Hallabat began as a Roman fort and ended as a luxurious country estate under the Umayyads. Nearby is its bathhouse, Hammam al-Sarah, constructed of fine limestone. Crafted of the area’s black basalt, Azraq Castle is located in an oasis and takes advantage of the important strategic position of the region’s four springs. The fortress was probably begun in the second century AD by the Romans, and was still in use when T. E. Lawrence used it as a base in the winter of 1917-18. The audience hall at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Qasr Amra is covered with charming, vividly painted frescoes. And the mighty fortress of Qasr al-Kharaneh is the most complete of the Umayyad castles. Even though the steep walls rising abruptly from the flat plain create a feeling of strength, archaeological excavations show that the building was probably used as an elegant palace. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Explore two remarkable sites today. West of Amman is Wadi al-Seer, one of the most attractive valleys in Jordan and containing Qasr al-Abd, the Palace of the Slave. Nestled in a green and fertile valley in the biblical land of Gilead, the remains of Jerash are impressive. Stroll along the city’s colonnaded streets and through ancient marketplaces, and visit imposing theaters sitting beside Roman, Christian and Muslim houses of worship. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Today is filled with history. Madaba was inhabited for nearly 3,500 years, and contains a most impressive work of art to survive from the mid-6th century - a mosaic map of Palestine. Bible references speak of Mt. Nebo as the place where Moses died. Visit the ruins of the 6th-century basilica, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, and the monastery. Overnight five nights in Petra at the Petra Movenpick, a five-star hotel conveniently located at the entrance of the park. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Early this morning, walk through the siq, the fissure that is the gateway to the splendid UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. Our first view of the Rose City is the dazzling Al-Khasneh Farun, or Treasury. Then walk along the Streets of Facades and view the magnificent tombs, theatre, markets, the Petra Byzantine Church with its glorious mosaics, and the Great Temple, still under excavation. This evening, enjoy a zarb, a traditional Bedouin meal of roasted lamb cooked in a hand-built mud oven. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Today is for the hardy as we climb into the more remote areas of Petra. Begin in Qasr al-Bint Temple, dating from the time of Christ, and the Habees High Place, one of the easiest of the climbs overlooking the city. Pass the Unfinished Tomb and the Columbarium, a former tomb, and finally the 12th-century Crusader fortress on the summit of al-Habees Mountain. For those who want to continue climbing, visit the Lion Triclinium guarded by two feline reliefs, and Qattar ad-Deir to see the Nabataeans’ water source. In the afternoon, visit the small museum onsite. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Day 10: One of the marvels of the Classical World, Petra offers much more than stunning antiquities. Within a 25-mile radius are an exceptional array of monuments and entire settlements that span the last 9,000 years of human civilization. We begin at Beidha, a village that was inhabited between 7000-6500 BC. Nearby is “Little Petra”, or Siq al-Barid, where several immense cisterns were carved into the rocks. After walking through a miniature siq, a splendid collection of tombs, temples, houses, and staircases will appear. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Our full day takes us past the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, of T. E. Lawrence fame, to Wadi Rum. This valley’s combination of immensity, richness of color, and awesome shapes creates an atmosphere that is other worldly. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Day 12: This morning’s climb takes us to Ed Deir to view a temple with the largest façade carved at Petra. After lunch we will return to Amman. End the day with a stop at Bani Hamida House, home to a Bedouin women's craft project, to see beautiful flat weave rugs for sale. Gather this evening for our final dinner party in one of Amman's finest restaurants. Overnight for two nights at the al Qasr Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Drive to Umm el Jimal, located at the edge of the eastern desert and inhabited for more than seven centuries. Encircled by formidable walls, the huge metropolis contains buildings constructed of black basalt blocks. Return to Amman and visit the Jordanian Museum of Popular Traditions to view an exquisite collection of clothing and jewelry from the area. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Day 14: Transfer to the airport for our flight for the USA. (B)
Gary Rollefson received his PhD from the University of Arizona, and is presently the Arnold Professor of Anthropology at Whitman College. He has conducted archaeological research in the area for more than 30 years. Since 1982, Dr. Rollefson has been Principal Investigator at the excavations at Neolithic ‘Ain Ghazal, which has produced stunning examples of 10,000 year-old statues and other religious paraphernalia. Dr. Rollefson’s knowledge of Jordan and its archaeology, and his sense of humor makes him an ideal leader.
May 22 - June 4, 2011
$8,995.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes international roundtrip airfare from New York; group accommodations in first-class or best available hotels; ground transportation; entry fees; and meals as noted in the itinerary.
Cost Does Not Include: The separate donation check for $100 (made out to ACOR); passport or visa fees; gratuities to guides and drivers; food, alcohol, and other beverages not included with meals; telephone and fax charges; laundry, personal tips; or other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement: $945.00. Should a roommate be requested and one is not available, the single supplement must be charged.
Fuel Surcharges: Far Horizons must pass on price increases when additional fuel charges are levied.
Donation Checks: The cost of the trip does not include the separate non-refundable donation check for $100.00 (per person) to ACOR (http://www.bu.edu/acor/). Please note on the memo line “for the Petra Papyri project”. As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations. This has created a bond with the academic community that allows you to gain an ‘insider’s view’ of work being done in each country. Your donation check will go directly to the project’s budget.
A deposit of $500.00 per person along with a check for $100 (made out to ACOR) is required to secure a reservation. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to various websites of pertinent interest to the trip. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00 per person. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the tour, we will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. If you issue your own international flight, please send the complete schedule as soon as you have it.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments, or that the date or time of our visit to their project must be changed.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR TO JORDAN IS LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS
