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We start at our hotel in Amman on day 1 of the itinerary. Those on the group flights from London will arrive in the evening. Land only clients need to provide their flight details if they would like to receive a FREE arrival transfer. Your leader will leave instructions for you at the hotel. Hotel Toledo (4-star) or similar
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.Hotel Toledo (4-star) or similar
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.Amra Palace (3-star) or similar
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.Amra Palace (3-star) or similar
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. Exodus Private camp (permanent Bedouin camp)
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.La Costa Hotel (4-star) or similar
Leaving the Red Sea behind we will head to the Dead Sea (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes) which is one of the most fascinating places on earth and so called because its high salinity prevents most forms of aquatic life. There' plenty of free time to experience floating in these waters and trying the dead sea mud before cooling off in the swimming pool.There's also the chance to visit Bethany beyond the Jordan, the site of Jesus Christ's baptism by John the Baptist marking the beginning of the new era of Christianity. This is an optional trip that can be booked and paid for locally. The drive to the Baptism site is 10-15 minutes from the hotel at the Dead Sea and the entire visit usually lasts 1 hour 45 minutes in total, including the driving to/from the hotel. Those who do not wish to visit the site will check into their hotel in the Dead Sea.This evening there will be a group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your farewells. Holiday Inn Dead Sea (5-star) or similar
7 nights 4 - 5 star & comfortable hotels,1 night private desert campTravel by
air-conditioned bus and 4WD in Wadi RumGroup normally 4 to 20 plus leader.
Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts, 2 dinners. The dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and
the Dead Sea resort.When not half board we usually eat in local restaurants
and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to
join. We suggest you budget around 15- 20 JOD pp ( GBP £16-21, USD $21-28,
CAN $27-36, AUD$30-40 at time of writing) for non-included meals. 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
vegetarian choice. There is a good choice of seafood available when at the
Red Sea. At the camp in Wadi Rum we enjoy a traditional dinner called Zarb
which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection
including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately to
the meat.
7 nights 4 - 5 star & comfortable hotels,1 night private desert campTravel by
air-conditioned bus and 4WD in Wadi RumGroup 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 2 April to 1
May 2022. 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 CampWe spend 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 3 nights in a 3-star 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, 2 dinners. The dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and
the Dead Sea resort.When not half board we usually eat in local restaurants
and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to
join. We suggest you budget around 15- 20 JOD pp ( GBP £16-21, USD $21-28,
CAN $27-36, AUD$30-40 at time of writing) for non-included meals. 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
vegetarian choice. There is a good choice of seafood available when at the
Red Sea. At the camp in Wadi Rum we enjoy a traditional dinner called Zarb
which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection
including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately 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 daysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from
LondonWe 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 SeaYour 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 TransfersExodus 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.
You will encounter a range of temperatureDay sack Lightweight walking
boots/shoes for Petra Sports bottle with wide top (not plastic) for water
refills from large containers Sunhat Sun creamSwimwear for the Red and Dead
SeaInsect repellent for the night at the desert campTorch for desert camp
Appropriate footwear for the Dead Sea as parts are rocky underfootYou 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.
Travel towel for one night at desert campSleeping 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 excursionsThere 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 to go with no expectations).Turkish bath: 22 JOD pp.Little Petra: A
smaller but still impressive version of the main Petra site. 13JD 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.Bethany beyond the Jordan: JD 25 (paid
locally)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. Tipping
is at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff. However,
tipping in Jordan is part of the culture that has developed with tourism due
to the low income of most people.During the week if you wish to tip hotel
staff, other local staff, and the driver, we have found it useful for the
group to have a kitty for tipping. Your leader will be able to advise you on
the amount, but as a guide expect it to be 11-14JD (GBP11-15, USD15-20,
CAD19-25, AUD21-28 at time of publication) per person for the week. This
kitty can be placed in the hands of one of the group members to look after
and the leader will advise where it is appropriate to tip. If preferred
however the leader can manage this for the group. The kitty is there to
ease confusion and embarrassment by not knowing how much or how little to
tip. If you do not wish to join in on the group kitty, please do not feel
pressured. Many clients also wish to tip their Tour Leader and as a guide we
suggest around 25-28JD (GBP26-30, USD35-40, CAD44-51, AUD50-57 at time of
publication) per person for the week. Most groups prefer to present the
money to the leader at the end of the week in an envelope. This is completely
at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
Travel insuranceSingle 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.