Petra & Wadi Rum

This morning you drive to Madaba, famous for its 6th century mosaics, set in the ground like giant jigsaws. Just beyond is another biblical site, Mount Nebo, which overlooks the Jordan Valley. The Bible tells us this is the final resting-place of Moses; from here he looked out onto the Promised Land and, thousands of years on, you can do the same. You then set off southward, where just ahead is a huge crack in the earth, 1000m deep, and with spectacular views wherever one looks - the Wadi Mujib.

Continuing along the King's Highway, a winding road which follows the contours of the rocky hills, you’ll occasionally pass nomadic shepherds as they tend their flocks in the few areas where there is water. The King’s Highway was a trade route of vital importance to the ancient Middle East. It began in Egypt, and stretched across the Sinai Peninsula to Aqaba. From there it turned northward across Jordan, leading to Damascus and the Euphrates River.

Your journey takes you across the deep gorge of Wadi al-Hesa, of similar proportions to Mujib.

You will travel to the small town of Kerak. Here a formidable Crusader castle overlooks a long, winding road down to the Dead Sea. The Crusaders had a huge impact on the region in the 11th - 13th centuries, and fought the forces of Islam in a long campaign, which saw many atrocities committed. Their temporary successes can be attributed - at least in part - to an outstanding ability to construct impregnable defensive fortifications, of which Kerak Castle is a prime example. Amazingly - given that it is over 850 years old - a great deal of the structure remains intact, and you can explore the dungeons, passages, refectory and kitchens of the castle, which also houses a small museum.

After a long drive of some 240km you turn off the King's Highway and make your way down to the recently developed Dana nature reserve, which has repeatedly been described as a real highlight of the trip and Jordan's hidden gem. The reserve aims to protect some of the country's endangered species, including ibex, mountain gazelle, wolf and red fox. Guesthouse (possible multi-share) – 1night (BD)

Today you will make your way to the fabled site, following the same path as Burckhardt, which funnels you through the banded rock walls that tower above. At the end of the kilometre-long path, you are rewarded by a glimpse of the most beautiful building of all - the Khazneh or Treasury - so-called because the Bedouin believed that the urn crowning the edifice held a cache of gold and jewels. The first sight of this perfectly proportioned tomb, carved from the towering rock, is truly unforgettable and there's much more to come!

Some 2,400 years ago the Nabataeans taxed the trade caravans that plied between southern Arabia and the shores of the eastern Mediterranean and, using the proceeds, built the first houses and temples here. Later, these taxes proved even more rewarding, and today the Nabatean legacy includes houses, tombs, temples, a (Roman-built) amphitheatre and much more.

Although it is a tiring walk up the 900 steps, it is well worth making the hour or so ascent up the rocky path, which leads to the Monastery, a vast structure rivalling even the Treasury and boasting fantastic views stretching out over the valley below. If you have some energy remaining, time should also allow you to climb to one of the High Places, the mountain-top altars where ritual sacrifices were made; from here there are spectacular views of the mountains, valleys and canyons below. (B)

NB - Watch out for donkeys on the walk up to the Monastery, they can be quite pushy so take care.

You have some time to explore the wadi, which offers some of the most extraordinary desert scenery. From a distance, Wadi Rum's sheer sandstone cliffs appear to hover like a shimmering mirage on the horizon. It's only from close quarters that you can fully appreciate just how large some are, rising to a height of 1,800m. It's hard to describe the majesty of this setting without sounding too effusive; suffice to say that the beauty that captivated Lawrence of Arabia is just as evident today. To the Howeitat Bedouin, who have taken it as their own, the area is known as the Valley of the Moon. These people are reputedly the remainder of Lawrence's Arab army who marched with him from Azraq in the north, then stayed behind once battle was done.

There is time this morning for a camel ride (optional), or to challenge the local bedouins over a football game in the vast desert sandy land on Wadi Rum, something to experience... You will then transfer to the Dead Sea where you will can opt to visit the baptism site (additional charge) and have the rest of the day free to relax. At 400 metres below sea level it's the lowest place on earth. Here the mineral content of the water is so dense that anybody attempting to swim finds that they float, rather than sink! It's a remarkable feeling and one you'll be able to experience for yourself this afternoon. This evening you can meet up with the rest of the group for a final meal together, and reflect on your adventures in this fascinating country! Hotel - 1 night (B)