For the third day of our Jordanian road trip , we left Amman to take the most beautiful road in Jordan to Petra: the King's Highway ! Legend has it that Moses traveled this route after crossing the Sinai Peninsula. This trade route connects Amman to Aqaba in the far south of Jordan, offering travelers splendid and varied panoramas…
And oh joy, oh happiness, oh miracle: it's sunny and the sky is a perfect blue !!! It's a wonderful day that begins!
Route des rois - Map of our route
Our long journey, which represents approximately 350 km, goes through the following stages:
- Amman
- Mount Nebo
- Madaba
- Al Karak (or Kerak)
- Petra
Route of the Kings - Visit of Mount Nebo
The first stop on our King's Highway road trip was Mount Nebo . This is the presumed site where Moses died and is buried. It is one of the most revered holy sites in Jordan. Many Christians make pilgrimages there throughout the year.
At the top of this mountain, we enjoyed an incredible panorama of the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho and Jerusalem, called the Holy Land.
On this healthy place, the first church was built at the end of the XNUMXth century, to mark the site where Moses died.
Finally, we were able to discover a cross surrounded by a serpent which, we were told, represents the staff of Moses and the symbolism of the brass serpent. Do not ask me more because the Bible is really not my bedside book ...
Kings Route - Visit Madaba
The second leg of our road trip takes us to Madaba , another iconic site in the Holy Land. This small city boasts numerous churches, all adorned with mosaics, hence its nickname, "City of Mosaics."
It is in this city that is found the Map of the Holy Land made in mosaics and dating from the XNUMXth century. It is preserved and exhibited to the public at the Saint-Georges church.
Kings Route - Kerak (Al Karak)
We continue to drive south along the Route des Rois which follows the ancient presumed route of the Hebrews led by Moses during the Exodus.
Stop in the Mujib Valley to admire one of the few canyons in the region and continue to Kerak to visit its castle, renowned as impregnable!
We discover an imposing fortress with fortifications dating from the XNUMXth century built on a high plateau dominating the entire valley.
We were about to visit all parts of Kerak Castle with our Lonely Planet when a Bedouin made us understand in English that he could guide us…
We are therefore following it with enthusiasm and curiosity. He guided us through dark labyrinths, underground galleries and many vaulted stone rooms. Too fun even if we did not understand all its explanations!
Kings Route - Arrival in Petra
After 160 km, we arrive at the end of the day, a little tired in Petra. There, we settle into a modern hotel (Edom Hotel) that I had chosen because it is located just 150 meters from the entrance to the Petra site. Evening program: Shower, Kebab and sleep!
More information about our hotel in Petra
And to continue following my road trip in Jordan , here is day 4 of our tour: Day 1 in Petra