The Kingdom of Jordan: A Journey Through the Ages

Study Leader - John Dobson

Dr. John Dobson, MIT Class of 1962, is emeritus professor of history at Oklahoma State University. He graduated from MIT in Course 21 with a split major in physics and history, and subsequently obtained a PhD in history at the University of Wisconsin. He has taught at universities in ...more

Summary

Join MIT Professor John Dobson, a Middle East expert, and MIT Alumni and friends on this in-depth exploration of the Kingdom of Jordan that features awe-inspiring sights from Biblical times and also investigates life today amidst the complexities of Jordan’s unique geographic location. Dr. Dobson’s observations will be particularly insightful regarding international relations.

Meet local citizens for frank discussions and dine in the private home of a Jordanian family. Explore the souks and streets of the capital city, Amman and learn about the central role that Jordan plays in the Middle East. See the magnificently preserved ruins of the Roman city of Jerash and travel into the eastern desert to discover an 8th-century UNESCO World Heritage caravansary.

We also see the mosaics on Mount Nebo, the purported burial site of Moses, and the oldest map of the Holy Land in Madaba, as well as a medieval crusader castle at Kerak. Overnight at a Dead Sea resort and have a chance to float and swim in its therapeutic salt waters before spending two days among the massive, rose-red ruins of the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We also visit magical Wadi Rum and its towering rock formations and red sand dunes, made famous as the place where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed.

Itinerary Summary

• Day 1: USA – AMMAN, JORDAN
• Day 2: AMMAN
• Day 3: AMMAN - JERASH - AJLOUN
• Day 4: EASTERN DESERT CASTLES
• Day 5: MADABA - MOUNT NEBO - DEAD SEA
• Day 6: DEAD SEA - KERAK - PETRA
• Day 7: PETRA
• Day 8: WADI RUM
• Day 9: PETRA - AMMAN
• Day 10: AMMAN - USA