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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Hot-air balloon flight over the desert > Indiana Jones style adventures > Floating on the Dead Sea > Camping at Wadi Rum > Petra by candlelight > Dead Sea spa treatments > Kids’ Club at the Kempinski

Jordan makes an interesting, off-the-beaten-track destination for a family holiday, with a combination of spectacular desert, crusader-era castles and the freak of nature that is the Dead Sea guaranteed to provide a memorable experience for all ages. And because it’s a fairly small country, travelling times between the various sights are not too long, so there shouldn’t be too much of the “are we nearly there yet”-type queries from the back seats.

Start off with a tour of Amman, the capital, taking in the old citadel, which contains the remains of the Temple of Hercules. Any boys in the family might also enjoy a visit to the Royal Automobile Museum, with its collection of classic cars and motorbikes.

From Amman, it’s an easy day trip to the ancient city of Jerash. Here you can experience a performance by Roman Army legionaries, war machines such as the catapult in action, gladiator fights (not to the death) and even watch chariot races in the authentic Roman hippodrome.

Travelling south along the King’s Highway with a knowledgeable guide brings you to the crusader castle at Kerak – one of the most impressive fortresses in a region littered with them. After admiring the view from atop its massive walls, continue on to Wadi Rum and spend a night in a private Bedouin camp in the desert. After supper round the campfire, lay back and admire the enormous starry skies. With luck, even the noisiest nippers will be hushed into an awed silence.

In the morning, explore the extraordinary desert landscapes of Wadi Rum by 4WD, by camel, or even take to the air in a hot-air balloon for a wonderful bird’s-eye view over the desert where Lawrence of Arabia led the Arab Revolt in World War One.

Next stop is the hidden city of Petra, carved into the pink sandstone cliffs some 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. The great Siq (the narrow gap through the cliffs that leads to the city, not a large Indian gentleman) will be familiar from the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. On certain nights, the ancient city is candle-lit, which makes it especially atmospheric.

Last but not least, spend a day or two by the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the planet, and experience the peculiar sensation of floating on the surface. As well as a private beach, facilities at the Kempinski Ishtar resort include an excellent kids club, while parents can wallow in mineral-rich Dead Sea mud at the Middle East’s largest spa.

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ADDITIONAL PARENT- RELEVANT INFORMATION

Four Seasons:
Children under 18 can share their parents' room at no extra charge.
Complimentary colouring books and crayons.
Children's menus in our restaurants and in-room dining.
Babysitting service for children one year old and over.
Kids Club featuring: arts & crafts, playground, beach games, children's pool, mini-croquet, basketball, volleyball.

PRICE
Based on a family of four with two adults and 2 children aged between 2 and 12. £1250 per adult, £1150 per child. We do not recommend this trip for families with infants. Price includes: Flights in economy class, accommodation on a B&B basis (and full board for the Bedouin night) and all transfers and guided activities.