Wonders of Lebanon and Jordan

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beirut, Arrival

  Welcome to Beirut! Upon your arrival at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, you will meet our representative who will assist you to facilitate all the formalities. After that, you will be escorted to your hotel and relax at leisure for the rest of the day.

  • Beirut

• Day 2: Beirut - Baalbek - Anjar - Ksara - Beirut

  In this morning, venture through Lebanon's countryside to Baalbek, also called Heliopolis. This ancient site is largely made up of semi-crumbled temples built by the Roman, including the massive Temple of Jupiter, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Lebanon.

  After lunch, drive to Anjar, stretch your legs around Anjar's souks and explore the town's showpiece - Umayyad ruins. Wander through this fascinating complex: remnants of an 8th-century palace city ruled by the Ummayad dynasty; ruined temples, arcades and gates built in Hellenistic and Roman style. Next, continue into the Bekaa Valley to Ksara, home of the famous Ksara Caves discovered in 1898. These ancient caves are now used as cellars by Chateau Ksara, Lebanon's oldest wine estate. You can learn about the winemaking process and finish today's tour with a tasting of delicious wines here.

  Return to Beirut for a restful overnight.

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  • Beirut

• Day 3: Beirut - Jeita - Byblos - Harissa - Beirut

  After breakfast, drive about 12 miles (20 km) to Jeita to take a boat ride on a subterranean lake. You'll get an up-close look at the Jeita Grotto, a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011. In there, explore some lower caves by a boat and then walk to the upper cave. Next, head to Byblos, one of the oldest cities on Earth. Home to more than 24 successive civilizations, this 7,000-year-old city is one of the top archaeological areas in the nation. Follow your guide to tour its highlights, such as Byblos Castle. Stop at the medieval Roman Port, which ranks tops among the city's tourist spots.

  Later, head to Harissa where you'll view the Statue of the Virgin Mary, including the chapel and spiral staircase, and have an opportunity to overlook the Bay of Jounieh here. Capture as many photos as you can at this religious destination before returning to your hotel.

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  • Beirut

• Day 4: Beirut - Tyre - Sidon - Maghdouche - Beirut

  After one-hour drive, start your trip from the magnificent city of Tyre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Have a walking tour and see the ruins of Roman streets, arcades and public buildings as well as a large hippodrome.

  After that, leave for thriving Sidon to admire the ruins of the Sidon Sea Castle and the Castle of Saint-Louis, known as the Land Castle. Explore the impressive Great Mosque built in the 16th century on the foundations of a Crusader building. Next, take a short journey to Maghdouche and see the city's interesting monuments, such as the Old Cave, the Al-Saydeh Ancient Church and the statue of Lady Mantara, Maghdouche's most famous landmark.

  Return to Beirut for overnight.

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  • Beirut

• Day 5: Beirut - Amman

  After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Amman. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Amman.

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  • Amman

• Day 6: Amman - Dead Sea (Jordan)

  Today, begin your spiritual tour from Madaba, the City of Mosaics and the city of Christianity, housing stately Greek Orthodox ruins and churches as well as beautiful Mosaics. You can see the most important Mosaic map that shows the Middle East in St. George Church. Transfer to Mt. Nebo, from which Moses overlooked the Holy Land. Afterward, visit one of the Jordanian handicrafts shops to appreciate unique and traditional styles with the Byzantine influence.

  Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world. Check in your resort in the Dead Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing, sunbathing or floating in the salty water of the sea.

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  • Dead Sea

• Day 7: Dead Sea - Petra

  Head to Petra in the morning. On arrival, your personal guide will spend about 2 hours with you to visit the main highlights and tell you the history and life of those who made it home; then, you will have some time to explore further on your own.

  Strolling into this vast lost city which was carved into the rocks 2,000 years ago will take your breath away around each corner. In addition to Al Khazneh (The Treasury), you will be surrounded by hundreds of Petra soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a curved Nabatean theater (seating 3,000 people), monumental staircases and arched gates, etc.

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  • Petra

• Day 8: Petra - Wadi Rum

  After the spectacular day in Petra, the excitement keeps going on and on.

  Today, you will visit one of the most beautiful deserts in the world, Wadi Rum (Moon Valley). You can see very huge sandstone mountains scattered on the horizon and be amazed at the endless colorful sand plains. Take a 2-hour Jeep ride in the desert to enjoy the breathtaking view. Afterward, drive to your camp in Wadi Rum for overnight.

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  • Wadi Rum

• Day 9: Wadi Rum - Amman

  Today, you will be taken to Amman. Upon arrival in Amman, you will visit the downtown market and the city center, blessed with traditional souks, coffee shops, restaurants selling local food and sweets. After the tour, check in your hotel and relax at leisure for the rest of the day.

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  • Amman

• Day 10: Amman, Departure

  It's time to say goodbye. Your driver will escort you to the airport for your flight home. Hope you travel with Odynovo again!

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