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This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets which remarkably have the drains still intact, two theatres and the impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around we head back to Amman for a city tour including the Citadel, the Roman Theatre and the old city. *Standard Hotel*
Today is a long driving day down the King's Highway which takes us up and down huge 'wadis' (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mt Nebo and Kerak, which is a magnificent fortified town. Further south we reach the magnificent city of Petra; Jordan's premier historic site and one of the world's most outstanding ancient cities. *Standard Hotel*
Two days to explore Petra, the so called rose-red city, 'half as old as time'. Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the 6th century BC. Building at Petra began in the third century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight. To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq, surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Unveiled at the end of the Siq is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. A optional walk can then be done up 750 steps to El Deir, the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn. On the second day your guide will take you into the site for either a hike up to the High Place of sacrifice or for free time to explore the city further. Only a few people attempt to visit the High Place as it can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness or are uncomfortable with heights. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day. *Standard Hotel*
This morning there is the option to take a guided tour through Little Petra or you can relax at our hotel before we join the modern Desert Highway and make our way south to Wadi Rum. The purpose of Little Petra is not clear however archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the silk route may have stayed. Today we enter the natural world heritage site of Wadi Rum where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot. After checking into our private Exodus camp our Bedouin hosts take us for around a 2-hour 4x4 jeep trip to explore some of the highlights of the protected area. We go to the main popular sights, have time to sample bedouin tea and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. From here we return to our camp where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a traditional dinner called Zarb which is cooked underground. After dinner we learn about Bedouin culture and music through interacting with the family who run the camp. *Permanent Bedouin tents*
We wake amidst the dramatic desert scenery and then make our way on to Aqaba, Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for beautiful coral reefs. There is time to relax on a local beach resort with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience by hiring snorkelling equipment and swimming over the coral reef looking out for colourful fish. This can be arranged and paid for on the day at the resort. (10 JD at time of publishing) You will walk along a jetty and get in from a small ladder to ensure you don't walk on the coral. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together. *Standard Hotel*
Leaving the Red sea behind we will head to the Dead sea which is one of the most fascinating places on earth. Free time to experience floating and trying the dead sea mud then cooling off in the swimming pool. This evening there will be a group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your farewells. *Comfortable Hotel*
* 7 nights hotels, 1 night private camp
* Travel by air-conditioned bus and 4WD in Wadi Rum
* Group normally 4 to 20 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts and two dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and the Dead
Sea resort.
Whilst staying in hotels we usually eat in local restaurants and on some
occasions the leader will take those who wish to a restaurant for a 'mezze'
style meal. These allow fast service with a variety of good quality food for
the group and usually cost 10-15 JOD pp ( GBP £11-17, USD $14-21, CAN
$18-28). If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in
choice; however, mezze is almost always available in restaurants and is a
good, filling choice. There is also a good choice of seafood available when
at the Red Sea. While camping in Wadi Rum we enjoy a traditional meal called
Zarb which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection
including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables will be cooked separate to
the meat.
* 7 nights hotels, 1 night private camp
* Travel by air-conditioned bus and 4WD in Wadi Rum
* Group normally 4 to 20 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be
long and tiring. To do the optional 850 steps up to the monastery or the
climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice you should have a reasonable level of
fitness. Your leader will be able to provide you with further advice about
these hikes. It is not advisable to do the High Place of Sacrifice if you
suffer from vertigo as there are some very steep narrow steps and cliffs. The
leader always accompanies any one doing this option.
Whilst camping in Wadi Rum please be aware that although the campsite does
have plumbed toilets and showers it is basic and hot water may be limited.
Our private Exodus camp is however often mentioned as a highlight of the trip
for many of our guests.
In very rare instances where local conditions require we may need to amend
the order of the itinerary but we will ensure that all the elements of the
itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.
In very rare instances we may need to amend the order of the itinerary but we
will ensure that all the elements of the itinerary are still included and
site visits are of the same duration.
*Please note Ramadan runs from 23 April to 23 May 2020.* Ramadan is a special
time to visit Jordan as it is one of the most important times on the Muslim
calendar. Each evening the streets empty while people return home to break
the fast and then there is an air of festivity every evening. Our leaders and
drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips however
please be aware their energy levels may be slightly lower. Tourist sites are
still open although closing times may be earlier than usual. Your leader will
know how the timings for each day need to be adapted in order to still
experience all the inclusions on this trip. Restaurants may close during the
day and this is also accounted for in planning meal arrangements for your
group. Shops are usually open though their hours may vary and they will
definitely be closed during the breaking of the fast. To fully enjoy your
holiday experience at this unique time of year we suggest patience and
flexibility. (In fact these are useful at any time of year on any overseas
holiday.)
Hotels and Camp
We spend 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 3 nights in a standard hotel in
Petra, 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Aqaba and the final night in a 5-star
hotel at the Dead sea. We also have one night in a desert camp in Wadi
Rum. The private camp is for the sole use of the Exodus group and offers an
unforgettable experience.
Throughout the tour we use hotels with en suite facilities and air
conditioning. Some hotels have more facilities than others however it is
always good to keep in mind that the star rating in Jordan is quite different
to what you may expect at home. Sometimes we may use less centrally located
hotels in the interests of comfort. Accommodation in Petra is limited and
demands on the infrastructure are high; this creates occasional problems with
hot water and plumbing for all hotels. In general, the hotels in Petra are
of an older style and more basic in comparison with the rest of Jordan.
At the Wadi Rum camp there are traditional style tents equipped with basic
beds, sheets and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple
shower facilities with (limited) hot water.
Single supplements are available for this trip however cannot be guaranteed
at Wadi Rum. Please enquire at the time of booking for details and up-to-date
prices.
All breakfasts and two dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and the Dead
Sea resort.
Whilst staying in hotels we usually eat in local restaurants and on some
occasions the leader will take those who wish to a restaurant for a 'mezze'
style meal. These allow fast service with a variety of good quality food for
the group and usually cost 10-15 JOD pp ( GBP £11-17, USD $14-21, CAN
$18-28). If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in
choice; however, mezze is almost always available in restaurants and is a
good, filling choice. There is also a good choice of seafood available when
at the Red Sea. While camping in Wadi Rum we enjoy a traditional meal called
Zarb which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection
including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables will be cooked separate to
the meat.
For most of this trip we use an air-conditioned bus, with local drivers.
Occasionally we will use 2 vehicles for the group.
To reach the Wadi Rum camp and to explore the surrounding desert, we use
basic 4-wheel-drive vehicles, owned by the Bedouin family that hosts us. The
vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall below normal
vehicle safety standards expected on our trips. As there are no other
vehicles available and as we are not travelling by road we feel that they are
an adequate means of transport.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 9 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Royal Jordanian Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure. Those on the group flight will be met before immigration by
an Airport Coordinator who will collect your passport to get it stamped
with the group visa. Please be aware in high season this process may be
subject to delays. You will then be directed to the baggage collection point
and then to the arrivals lounge where your group leader will meet you. It is
at this point that the Airport Coordinator will return the passports. You
will then be directed to the baggage collection point and the transfer to
your overnight hotel.
*Travelling land only: 9 days starting in Amman and ending in Dead Sea*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Amman in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
*Free Transfers*
Exodus offers FREE arrival transfers on all flights for both Land Only and
Flight Inclusive clients. To receive this free transfer Land Only clients
must arrive on the trip start date or have booked pre-tour accommodation at
the start hotel. Exodus must receive full flight details in advance. Unless
specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour)
hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra
charge. Transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same
flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. Detailed instructions
including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final
Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before
departure or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel
agent.
If you book post tour accommodation in Amman you will receive a free transfer
from the Amman hotel to the airport. If you book post tour accommodation at
the Dead Sea we can arrange a private departure transfer at an additional
cost. Most people find Amman has more to offer than the Dead Sea and often
prefer to have pre-tour accommodation as flights into Jordan often arrive
late at night.
Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24ºC in
the day and down to 8ºC at night. Rain is more likely, however, protracted
bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout
Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32ºC in Amman.
Jerash temperatures are the same.
Wadi Rum on average in summer is around 30ºC though it can get as high as
40ºC. At night it is usually around 10ºC cooler. In winter it is much
cooler and can get as low as 10ºC during the day. In the evening it is
around OºC . There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the
desert. If weather conditions require it we may need to modify the itinerary
or the camp location for your comfort and safety.
Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain
is unusual but possible.
The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14ºC in winter up to high 30s
in summer months. The water temperature however doesn’t drop below 20ºC.
As with many countries in the world seasons can go on longer than usual so it
is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to
a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.
Day sack
Lightweight walking boots/shoes for the High Places in Petra
Water bottle
Sunhat
Sun cream
Insect repellent for the night at the desert camp
Torch for desert camp
Appropriate footwear for the Dead Sea as parts are rocky underfoot
You will encounter a range of temperatures on these trips; in spring and
autumn the days are generally quite hot (very hot in July and August), the
nights are cool in the desert. Light cotton clothing is suitable for daytime
use, but you may need a sweater, and for departures from the end of September
onwards you should also bring a warm jacket.
Please note that Jordan is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required
on this trip when visiting holy sites, and rural areas (i.e. legs, shoulders
and upper arms to be covered). In the larger cities and more popular
destinations this is not necessary.
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing
only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
Swimwear and flip flop for the Dead Sea and walking around hotel pools
Travel towel for one night at desert camp
Sleeping bag/liner for extra comfort for the night spent in the desert
(please note that the basic bedding is already provided including sheets and
blankets).
*Optional excursions*
There are various excursions possible on this trip - the leader will provide
more details on arrival. Please note that all prices are subject to change.
*Petra by night: *follow the trail from the Siq to the Treasury in
candlelight where you will be offered tea and traditional music by the local
Bedouins 17 JOD pp (Please note this is not possible every evening and it can
get crowded at times. It is a low-key entertainment so it is best not to have
any expectations).
*Turkish bath:* 22 JOD pp.
*Little Petra: *8 JD for guided tour and transport. This is an option on
the morning before travelling to Wadi Rum. If the whole group does this
option then we check out of the hotel beforehand.
*Camel rides in Wadi Rum:* camel rides provided by the local Bedouin will be
possible and scheduled according to the group preferences. A trek from the
camp to the local village takes approximately 1hr 20 and costs 20 JOD pp.
*Amman Entry fees: *The main sites are included in our city tour at the
beginning of the trip. However if you arrive a day early or have during your
free time you may like to visit Mosque Abdallah. The entrance is 2 JOD.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Although
accepted as part of the local culture, tipping is entirely at your discretion
for both the leader and the local staff. If you wish to tip local staff, we
have found it useful for the group to collect a kitty and nominate one group
member to be responsible for this. The leader can advise how much to tip and
this can ease the confusion and embarrassment of not knowing how much or how
little to tip local staff. Many clients also wish to tip their leaders and
driver at the end of the trip; we suggest around £15-£20 (US$ 25-$30) per
person for the leader and approximately £10-£15 (US$15-$20) per person to
be shared between the driver and other staff. Most groups prefer to present
the money to the leader at the end of the week with two separate envelopes
(one for the leader and one for the driver). This is of course entirely at
your discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.