The original castle was built in 1184-85 as a military fortress by a nephew of the great military leader Salah ad-Din al Ayyubi (or Saladin to Westerners) to defend against Crusaders and to protect valuable trade routes between Jordan and Syria.

The castle is an excellent example of Medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture. First thing you would notice as you are approaching Ajloun-castle is the massive walls and the five looming towers. 

The castle originally was constructed with four towers but was expanded in 1215 AD to include a fifth tower and the bridge. 

You will cross over this medieval bridge, which allows you access across the moat and into the castle. Once inside you will find a maze of curved passageways, winding staircases, long ramps, huge rooms that functioned as dining halls, residences, and the castle stables. From the top of the castle, you will enjoy panoramic views of the hilltops of northern Jordan alongside the  Jordan Valley.

Ajloun Castle entrance Fee: 1 JOD

• Hadrian's Arch: You will enter the ancient Roman city through this oval arch - built in 129 AD to mark Emperor Hadrian's visit. This stunning piece of architecture is considered as magnificent as the arch in the forum in Rome.
• Hippodrome: As you pass through the arch, to your left you will be facing the hippodrome or circus. The hippodrome, a stadium like structure was used for horse and chariot races by the ancient Greeks and Romans. There is currently a show (The Roman army and Chariot Experience) that replicates the races that took place here centuries ago. "Guests wishing to experience the show can find more information below."
• Forum (Oval Plaza): An asymmetrical plaza at the beginning of the colonnaded street that runs the length of the city. It was once lined with the city's major buildings, shops, and residences.
• Agora: This was the city's main food market. Here you will see the Nymphaeum or central fountain.
• Nymphaeum: An ornate public fountain that was decorated with lion’s heads motifs and dedicated to the nymphs who in mythology are female nature deities.
• Temple of Artemis: These impressive ruins are what are left of the temple dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, Artemis.
• South Theater: One of two theatres in Jerash to survive, the South Theatre is the largest. Here you will see a 1st century amphitheater that seats up to 3000.  If you are lucky you may catch the Jordanian military band playing there.
• Jerash Archaeological Museum: Jerash was a city hidden under centuries of sand that has only begun to be excavated in the last 70 years. The museum features a collection of artifacts found during excavation, including coins, statuary and sarcophagi.

Jerash City entrance Fee: 8 JOD

• Temple of Hercules: Built between 162-166 AD, this massive structure dedicated to Hercules is larger than any of the temples in Rome.
• Byzantine Church: A basilica built between the 5th and 6th centuries.
• Umayyad Mosque: The remains of the Umayyad governor’s palace mosque dating from the 8th century
• Dome of the Vestibule: A modern recreation of the interior of the dome of the Umayyad Vestibule

Amman Citadel entrance fee: 2 JOD

Mount Nebo, where you will stand in the same area as the Prophet Moses when he viewed ‘The Promise Land’ for the first time. It is on top of the mountain that you can feel a surge of calm and peace flow through you. On a clear day, you will be able to see Bethlehem, Jericho and the Holy City of Jerusalem, as well as the Dead Sea. The view is powerful, special, and something you will surely never forget.

Mount Nebo entrance fee: 1 JOD

Coming down from Mount Nebo, we now head back toward Madaba. Your guide will now take you to experience Jordan Jewel for Art & Mosaic. Here you will have a chance to visit their workshop and learn about the intricately detailed craftwork that goes into the production of mosaics and other interesting arts of this region.

Traveling to Madaba takes just ten minutes. Madaba is a city known for its spectacular Byzantine era mosaics. Possibly the most famous of these mosaics lies within the 19th century Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. Unearthed in 1864, this map constructed in the 6th century, once contained millions of mosaic pieces and depicts lands from Palestine to Egypt. Today one third of the map survives and shows the earliest surviving representation of the city of Jerusalem.

Madaba Saint George church entrance fee: 1 JOD

As you drive along the King’s Highway, you will surely notice the different geological and altitude changes. We will begin driving at 400 meters below sea level up to a point of around 1400 meters above sea level. At the top, the land opens up before you and you see only open farmland, plateaus, and deep ravines. It is a glorious and moving thing to see.

Prior to our next site Karak will be going around the Wadi Mujib dam on a very steep road, that offers one of the best views this part of the country has to offer.

Upon your arrival in the town of Karak, you will visit one of the largest Crusader fortresses that are found in the Levant region.

Karak was once a powerful kingdom that was situated on a hilltop, 1000 meters above sea level. Karak is surrounded on three sides by a deep valley, and a town was built on a triangular plateau around the castle; the city’s building layout has been dated back to the 19th century, Ottoman Empire Period. The narrow streets and crumbling buildings give you a feeling of walking into history.

The view from the top of the fortress is stunning. Far below you see farmland, blocked off by different colors; looking out into the distance, the Dead Sea can be seen; a cool breeze caresses your face as you look out and try to imagine a world of long ago.

Karak Castke entrance fee: 1 JOD

The King’s Highway will lead us to Tafilah (a town that had been built by the Edomites under the name Tophel) with olive and fig trees and grape vines alongside the road. In recent history, T.E Lawrence, during the Arab revolt, destroyed a Turkish castle near the city.    

As we get closer to higher land, we will approach the village of Dana. Here, we will stop at a viewpoint that overlooks a 500 year old village, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and Wadi Araba.

We will continue our drive to Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses) and stop by the Prophet Moses’ spring that comes from underneath a rock. History reports that Moses’ staff struck this rock, and the Nabetteans then built channels and brought the water down into Petra.

This monastery is an hour climb/ 800 rock-cut steps from the basin-restaurant/museum area, don’t be intimidated by the walk; donkeys are available, but it’s the experience of the walk itself for many people.

What to expect:

While it is not as famous a site as the Treasury, the Monastery is considered one of the most impressive views at Petra. The Monastery is similar to the Treasury only larger (50m high x 45m wide). While containing much less decoration, it is still beautifully carved and worth every one of the 800 steps you took to reach it.

If you are a lover of scenic landscapes and breathtaking views, another part of your day should include this location. With just an extra ten-minute walk from the Monastery, you will be happy you took the extra time. Here you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Wadi Araba Valley. This walk can be extra rewarding for you bird lovers as eagles have been spotted in abundance.

Another place that is offered provides the opportunity for both a close look into the faith of the Nabaeteen priest as it was used for animal sacrifice, and also provides a very spectacular view of the city below. Get yourself ready for 700 steps into the mountain (again donkeys can be rented for those looking for a ride up), around an hour climb. Your trek up will begin in the area by the theatre near the Treasury.