Delve Deep: Jordan

Punch ‘7000 BC' into the time machine and hold onto your backpack, you've just landed in a city discovered thousands – yep, THOUSANDS – of years ago. Find your name on a placard at Arrivals – it's in the hands of your super-stoked Topdeck Rep. Fling your stuff in the hotel room, introduce yourself to the rest of the #travelgang and get ready to make memories. Got a growling tum? Stuff your face with local eats at tonight's included group dinner. (D)

Get your fill of brekkie goodness. You're gonna need it as we hit the road to Petra. The Lost City is the end goal, but the journey is just as sweet. First? Madaba. Known as the City of Mosaics, every corner EXPLODES with intricacy, vitality and colour. Want to see the blueprint of today's Sat Nav? The ancient Madaba Map – detailing sacred lands from Egypt to Lebanon – is not to be missed.

Next stop: Mt Nebo. Step into the sandals of Moses and soak up breathtaking views of the Promised Land. Then: saddle up and charge Karak Castle, one of the largest crusader strongholds ever built. About to collapse from pure elation? We're not done yet. Flex your chef skills in an optional local cooking class. Then experience Petra – after dark. Opt for a surreal walking tour feat. traditional music and a carpet of 1,500 glowing candles. One word: astounding. (B)

Can you imagine wandering through the streets of a 10,000-year-old city? Don't just imagine it. LIVE it. The Lost City is a labyrinth of ancient tombs, hypnotic temples and flaming-red cliff faces. Our day begins with an orientation walk with our expert Trip Leader. Then: spend the arvo uncovering all of Petra's secrets for yourself. A fan of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? Rock the fedora and pose for a photo in front of the iconic rose-red façade. Bucket-list moment: tick! Worked up an appetite? You won't wanna miss tonight's optional dinner: an authentic meal of maqluba with a local family. Awesome food with awesome people guaranteed. (B)

After brekkie, hop in a 4x4 and cruise across the burnt-orange sands of The Valley of the Moon. Our destination for one night only? A Bedouin Camp in the crux of the Jordanian desert. Dinner is prepared by a nomadic tribe who has seen the world evolve before its very eyes. Authentic food, hearty tales, and a group of unforgettable camp mates – what more could you want? Oh go on, there's the chance to get starry-eyed with an optional stargazing experience later too. Perfect. (B/D)

We're swapping sand for sea today, so get ready for all things aquatic at Aqaba! The only coastal city in Jordan sits on the edge of the Red Sea. You know what that means? It's your chance to trade feet for fins and dive right in! Spot Sebastian, Nemo and some coooool dude turtles. Discover lost army tanks, sunken airplanes and mysterious shipwrecks. Once you're done with your gills, it's time to hang up the flippers and head to the beach for sunset. A shawarma (Jordanian kebab) isn't for sharing, but there's plenty to go round! (B)

A big fan of salt? You love it on your hot chips. But how about on your skin? 'Cos the Dead Sea is FULL of it. Float on top of the rippling water like a weightless cloud. Even after a hefty serving of breakfast. Ever dipped a papercut into salt by accident? Yep. You've just scrunched up your face. Same thing applies here – let those hairs grow. Nobody is looking – pinky swear. Soak up the natural minerals, say see ya to stress, and then wave goodbye to the lowest point on Earth.

We're going full circle back to where this journey began: Amman. Here, our top-tier Trip Leader will fill you in on allll the historical deets with a walking tour. Byzantine Basilica, Ummayad Palace, the Temple of Hercules... Hope you're ready to catch your jaw – it's about to DROP. (B)

Still haven't had your fill of history lessons? Grab a goblet, you're off to Jerash – home to Roman ruins so good even Italy's jealous. Check out Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Zeus. Stroll down the columned cardo maximus. Then find a fallen column to rest up on and enjoy the jaw-dropping views. Back in Amman, the afternoon is yours. Head downtown for all the ancient city vibes. Take a coffee break in the hip area of Jabal Al Lweibdeh. Or check out the thriving contemporary art scene in Jabal Amman. And tonight? We'll give this incred trip the send-off it deserves with one final group dinner at a local eatery. (B/D)

Down your pomegranate juice and brush away those tears – we'll say our goodbyes after breakfast. WHAT an adventure it's been. Swap those Insta handles and pencil in next year's reunion trip. (B)