Jerash & the King's Highway
First we explore the impressively well preserved ruins of Jerash, one of the great cities of the Roman Decapolis, a confederation of ten prosperous trading cities spread across the region. Then for a complete change of scene we head to the lowest point on earth: the Dead Sea. At more than 400m below sea level, these waters have a salt content so high that you can enjoy the bizarre sensation of floating on the surface of the water, like a cork! Next we travel south along the historic King's Highway to Petra, visiting imposing Kerak Castle en route.

Exploring the Lost City of Petra
We enjoy two full days at Petra: ample time to explore the extensive site on foot. One of the unexpected pleasures here is the sheer beauty of the setting: tucked away like a long lost Shangri-la, the 'Rose Red City' is carved from a mountain of multi-coloured striated sandstone. Following narrow gorges and half hidden, rock-cut stairways, we reach breathtaking vantage points and stumble across corners of the site scarcely changed in 2000 years.

Wadi Rum & the Red Sea
We continue by 4WD across the desert to the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum. This is 'Lawrence of Arabia' country, where we'll sleep in a Bedouin-style encampment amongst echoing granite cliffs and beneath a star-filled desert sky. To appreciate fully the beauty of the desert we trek on camels through the twisting Siq al Barrah gorge, perhaps appreciating why for Lawrence of Arabia this landscape was both so humbling and so inspiring. Finally we reach the Red Sea, whose crystalline waters and amazing undersea life make a fitting end to our journey.