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Explore Jordan's archaeological highlights and crusader castles
After breakfast we depart for a visit to Iraq El Amir. Set in the desert to the east of Amman is the much-famed Desert Loop, consisting of numerous palaces and minor forts dating back to the Omayyad period 661 AD to 750 AD. Our first stop is Qasr al- Hallabat. Originally Roman, this castle was rebuilt during the Umayyad period when it was elaborately decorated in mosaics, carved stucco and fresco paintings, thus transforming the castle into a palatial residence. There are about 150 inscriptions within the castle, mostly in Greek. The vast majority of these inscribed stones, which were reused as building material, belong to an edict issued by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius (491-518 AD). A few kilometres away is the Hammam as-Sarakh, a bathhouse and hunting lodge. The buildings have been almost completely restored, and here we can see the channels that were used for hot water and steam. One hundred kms east of Amman, the oasis town of Azraq has a large castle built from black basalt, which was Lawrence of Arabia's headquarters during the Arab Revolt. Heading back towards Amman, the Qasr El Kharraneh and Qusayr 'Amra are the best preserved of the desert castles, Qusair Amra is noted for its extensive fresco paintings which cover virtually all the interior walls. The paintings include themes such as hunting, dancing, musicians, bathing scenes, cupids, and personifications of history, philosophy and poetry. We drive back to the hotel in Amman. *Comfortable Hotel*
Today we begin early as we have a long day heading north. We visit Irbid, which hosts an interesting museum. The most remarkable artefacts are the Ain Ghazal statues dated to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period; between 7500-5500 BC. In addition the museum contains a number of artefacts from the later periods. Umm Qais, in the north of the country has fantastic views of The Sea of Galilee and was once a centre of culture and arts. As one of the cities of the Decapolis, it was a centre for arts and culture and with its amazing setting it is an enchanting place. Later we proceed to Pella, once an important city in Roman times; most of the remains actually date back to the Byzantine period. Overnight in Jerash. *Standard Hotel*
After breakfast we visit the ancient 'Gerasa'. In Roman times this was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis, and was famous throughout the Roman empire for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived to any extent, with an outstanding forum, colonnaded main streets with the drains still intact, two theatres and a most impressive temple of Zeus. Our journey continues on to the only Arabic castle in Jordan, Ajloun. It is perched on a hilltop and has fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Originally constructed in 1184 AD, it was destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries following numerous wars and earthquakes. Drive for overnight stay at the Dead Sea. *Comfortable Hotel*
We start the day by visiting Bethany beyond the Jordan, the site where Jesus Christ was baptised by John the Baptist marking the beginning of the new era of Christianity. We then head to Madaba, 'The City of Mosaics '. Best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, it is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. We see this historical map in the small Church of St George. Made up of small pieces of coloured stone, the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta during the 6th century. From here we head to the biblical Mount Nebo where Moses was shown The Promised Land before his death. There is a purpose built church which houses some wonderfully preserved mosaics. After a good look round we head south back to the Dead Sea in time for a 'float' in the thick saline waters. *Comfortable Hotel*
Leaving the Dead Sea behind us we drive through the deep gorge of Wadi al Mujib. This massive canyon is impressive and is now a huge nature reserve, covering 212sq km. We arrive at Al Karak and Al Shawbak, two castles that played an important role in the Crusades. Built in mediaeval times Al Karak is the larger of the two castles, its well-preserved fortifications towering over the town offer incredible views. Al Shawbak, though not as well preserved is equally as notable. Late afternoon we drive on to Petra. Overnight Petra. *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*
Explore Little Petra with its well preserved ruins which are hidden away in the mountains, before continuing to the Wadi Rum desert, a stretch of beautiful sand and rock desert. This 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 film of 'Lawrence of Arabia' were shot. We take a four-wheel drive vehicle far into the area for an exciting desert adventure before arriving to our permanent camp and destination for the night. *Full-service Camping*
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 with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience with optional snorkelling and lunch packages which your leader will explain. Please note there is a cost for these extras. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together. *Comfortable Hotel*
After breakfast, drive from Aqaba to Amman to explore the ancient city. Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation uncovering homes and towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age, circa 7000 BC. The earliest written records refer to the city as Rabbath Ammon, the capital of the Ammonites in the 12th century BC. Later the city was named Philadelphia under the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus 283-246BC. As one of the cities of the Decapolis under King Herod in 30BC major building works were conducted. The 6000 seated Roman Theatre on the citadel is testimony of Roman architecture, although extensively restored it remains a classic example. Also on Citadel Hill, just northwest of the Temple of Hercules, is the Jordan Archaeological Museum. This small museum houses an excellent collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the 15th century. From here we head to the Roman Theatre in the old town. *Comfortable Hotel*
* 10 nights hotels and 1 night private camp
* Travel by air-conditioned minibus and 4WD in Wadi Rum
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included on this trip.
No other meals are included. 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 and a good
quality of food for the group and usually cost 10-15 JOD pp. Allow about
£250-300 (approx. US$320-480) to cover these 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 choice for
vegetarians. There is also a good choice of seafood available when at the Red
Sea.
* 10 nights hotels and 1 night private camp
* Travel by air-conditioned minibus and 4WD in Wadi Rum
* Group normally 4 to 16, 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 & Camp
We spend 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 1 night in a basic hotel in
Jerash, 2 nights in a 5-star hotel at the Dead sea, 3 nights in a standard
hotel in Petra and 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Aqaba. Throughout the tour
the hotels have en suite facilities and air conditioning, except in Jerash
where we spend the night in a more basic hotel.
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 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
general plumbing for all hotels. In general, the hotels in Petra are of an
older style and much more basic in comparison with the rest of Jordan.
One night is also spent in our Exodus Private camp in Wadi Rum staying in
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 3 evening meals are included on this trip.
No other meals are included. 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 and a good
quality of food for the group and usually cost 10-15 JOD pp. Allow about
£250-300 (approx. US$320-480) to cover these 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 choice for
vegetarians. There is also a good choice of seafood available when at the Red
Sea.
For most of this trip we use one air-conditioned mini or midibus depending on
group size, with local drivers. Occasionally we will use 2 vehicles for the
group. To reach the Wadi Rum camp and to explore the desert of Wadi Rum, we
use basic 4-wheel-drive vehicles that are owned by the Bedouin family that
hosts us. The vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall
below the normal vehicle safety standards usually 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: 12 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
Co‐ordinator 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. The Airport Co‐ordinator will be holding an Exodus sign, please
make yourself known to him.
You will then be directed to the baggage collection point and then to the
arrivals hall where your group leader will meet you. It is at this point
that the Airport Coordinator will return the passports.
*Travelling land only: 12 days starting and ending in Amman*
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.
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).
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.
Turkish bath: 22 JOD pp.
Camel rides in Wadi Rum: camel rides provided by the local Bedouins may be
possible in the Wadi Rum. A trek from the camp to the local village will take
approximately 1hr 20 and will be 20 JOD pp
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Tipping
in Jordan is part of the culture that has developed with tourism. If you wish
to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a kitty for tipping,
the leader will advise how much to tip, but you should expect it to be around
10-15JOD per person. The kitty will be placed under the guardianship of one
member of the group, but the leader will advise when a tip needs to be given.
Many clients also wish to tip their leaders and driver at the end of the
trip, we suggest 20-30JOD for the leader and 5JOD for the driver. 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 at
your own 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.
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