Syria Remembered
Roman Syria was magnificent — Palmyra, Damascus, Apamea. Current conditions make Syria impossible, but Jordan preserves Roman heritage.
Chapter 10 of Roman Wine Odyssey · Lebanon
The stops
- Tour · Price: moderate Jerash (Gerasa) "Pompeii of the East" — one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. The Oval Plaza, Cardo Maximus, Temple of Artemis, and two theatres. This was a wealthy Decapolis city. The scale is breathtaking.
- Tour · Price: low Amman Citadel The ancient citadel overlooking modern Amman. Roman Temple of Hercules, Byzantine church, and Umayyad palace share the hilltop. Philadelphia (Amman's Roman name) was another Decapolis city. Views over the city are spectacular.
- Tour · Price: low Madaba Mosaics The 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in St. George's Church is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the region. Madaba is the "City of Mosaics" — Roman and Byzantine floors throughout the town.
- Tour · Price: low Mount Nebo Moses' viewpoint over the Promised Land. Byzantine mosaics in the church. On clear days, you can see Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. This is where Moses died; a Roman church marked the spot.
- Tour · Price: high Petra The rose-red city, half as old as time. Nabataean, then Roman. The Treasury, the Monastery, the Siq, the theatre — all carved from living rock. This is one of the world's greatest archaeological sites. Bring a special bottle.
- Tasting · Price: moderate Saint George Winery Jordan's only serious winery. Christian community in the Jordan Valley making wine from ancient traditions. The wines are modest but genuine. This is about continuity, not quality.
- Tour · Price: low Umm Qais (Gadara) Decapolis city overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, and Syria. Basalt ruins, Roman theatre, and Ottoman village blend together. This is where the Gadarene swine ran into the sea. Views are spectacular.
The story
Jerash is the "Pompeii of the East." Petra is one of Earth's wonders. This is a pilgrimage of memory. Pour a libation for what's been lost. Toast to what we hope to visit again someday.
Plan the trip
Insider tip Bring your finest bottle to Petra — drink it at the Monastery.
Getting there and around
- Car required
- Yes
- Parking
- Paid at all major sites
- Nearest airport
- Amman (AMM)
- Drinking and driving
- Hire a driver — essential for Petra day
Where to stay
- Base yourself in
- Amman + Petra
- Nightly range
- $80-250/night
What it costs
- Includes
- 3 nights accommodation, site entries, meals
- Per person
- $500-800