| Starts | Amman, Jordan |
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| Ends | Amman, Jordan |
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| Region | North Africa / Middle East |
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| Duration | 8 days |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Tour Code | DWFA 23277 |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Amman & Finishing: Amman
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2 - Starting: Amman & Finishing: Wādī Mūsá
Set off from Amman in the morning, en route to Petra. Along the way, stop at Karak to enjoy a gorge walk through Wadi Ibn Hammad. The fertile land in the valley creates an incredible landscape of trees, waterfalls, and rock formations to walk through. The water can be quite deep in places, so be careful not to lose footing. Afterwards, explore the crusader castle of Karak.
Continue on to Wadi Musa, the township closest to Petra, and stay for the night.
Day 3 - Starting: Wādī Mūsá & Finishing: Petra
Visit Jordan's most famous site.
Day 4 - Starting: Petra & Finishing: Wadi Rum
Drive out to the desert to the magical Wadi Rum.
Although the way is lit by lanterns, it is a good idea to have a torch/flashlight on hand. There is a large central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter.
Spend the evening sitting under the stars around the fire, listening to stories from the Bedouin hosts. If really lucky, they may bring the drums out for some music.
Instructions
Our camp at Wadi Rum is basic but comfortable. Sleep on beds in one long goathair tent, which is divided by blankets into twin-share “rooms” for privacy. A bottom sheet and blanket is provided, but most people prefer to bring along a travel sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner. Bathroom facilities are shared and unisex and located around 20m (66 ft) from the camp.
Day 5 - Starting: Wadi Rum & Finishing: Aqaba
Take off into the desert using 4X4 vehicles for transportation. Riding over the dunes and open expanses of sand, see the sheer size of the desert as well as some of the major sites of the region. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom rock formation, made famous by T.E. Lawrence, looms out of the desert. Take a pause here – it is easy to imagine being transported back in time to join Lawrence as he crossed the desert. To get closer to this experience, there is the option of taking a camel ride across the desert.
Leave the desert behind, and transfer to the coastal town of Aqaba for the night.
Day 6 - Starting: Aqaba & Finishing: Aqaba
The Red Sea is world famous for it's clear blue water. Take a boat trip out on the coral reef to see everything under the waves. The variety of brightly coloured fish and marine life make this an experience that will never be forgotten.
Day 7 - Starting: Aqaba & Finishing: Amman
Travel from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is actually a lake without any form of life whatsoever existing in its waters. The water is so dense that it is practically impossible to sink, being five to ten times as salty as regular sea water. Be based at a resort for the day, and have access to the beach.
While swimming, cover yourself with the sea's mud, which is reputed to have special healing powers, and don't forget to take a photo of yourself reading a book while floating! The salt water penetrates any cuts on your body and has an unusual smell, but there are showers to wash off after swimming. Afterwards, relax under an umbrella next to one of the freshwater swimming pools.
In the late afternoon, transfer back to Amman to spend the night.
Day 8 - Starting: Amman & Finishing: Amman
Departure day. Feel free to depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Walk in Wadi Ibn Hammad Gorge. Entrance to Karak Castle. Petra entrance with one-day guided tour. Wadi Rum 4×4 jeep excursion with local lunch and dinner. Overnight in a desert tented camp. Dead Sea visit. Snorkelling in the Red Sea.
Highlights
Arrive at the awe-inspiring sight of Petra, camp out under the stars in Wadi Rum, observe many coloured fish while snorkelling in the Red Sea, float in the salty Dead Sea
Dossier Disclaimer
Itinerary Disclaimer
Important Notes
Depending on the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between June 18th and July 17th, 2015. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan in Muslim areas, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can’t at that time.
Group Leader Description
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max. 20, Avg. 12
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Transport
Private van, 4×4, walking, boat
About our Transportation
On this trip we will travel by air-conditioned private minivan for most of the journeys. En route to Wadi Rum and our desert camp we will travel in 4×4 vehicles.
Solo Travellers
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts), desert camp (1 nt)
My Own Room
About Accommodation
Accommodation for family trips has been chosen to give the best location and facilities for your family. They may vary depending on the location and destination, but designed to give the most comfortable experience while travelling.
You and your family will generally be sharing rooms on a twin or triple share basis. These rooms will be either adjoining or located at close proximity to each other.
Families will be roomed together and not with other families everywhere we stay. If you have any special hotel requests at the time of booking, let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate them.
On this trip you can expect to stay in small local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.
Joining Hotel
Bellevue Hotel
Jabal Amman, 2nd Circle
Amman, Jordan
Tel. 0096264616144
Fax. 0096264637851
Joining Instructions
Upon arrival at Amman International Airport, please look for the G Adventures representative, who will be holding a G Adventures sign. Your name will not be on the G Adventures sign, so please ask the driver whom they are there to meet. If the G Adventures representative is not there at first, please wait up to 30 minutes, and then proceed to take a taxi, or call our local staff , who will assist you in getting to the joining hotel.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Representative (Cairo, Egypt)
During office hours (Sun-Thu,10am to 6pm local time): +20 233 77 88 30 or +20 233 77 88 31
After hours Emergency number: +20 122 221 16 99 (Mohammed)
G Adventures Middle East Manager
Emergency number: : +20 122 221 16 99 -Mohammed (Cairo, Egypt)
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
JORDAN:
Jordan visa can be obtained on arrival at land and airport borders for most nationalities for a fee of 40 JOD. While most travellers are not required to obtain their visa in advance, there are exceptions and you must check the requirements of your particular passport. While we provide this information in good faith, your visa is your responsibility. If you are departing Jordan by Air, then no departure tax is required as it is already included on the air ticket. If you are departing Jordan by land then you will be required to pay an 8 JOD departure tax .
Spending Money
Money Exchange
The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
ATMs are found within main cities in Jordan and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals.
Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to the Local currency. Please note that you should bring some cash with you for emergency situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix.
If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Tipping
Tipping ( Baksheesh )
Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term as “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the incredibly low salary and wages of the Middle East region.
While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.
In order to make things as easy as possible, and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution from everybody on tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. The CEO will keep an accurate account of what was spent and any money left over will be handed back to the group.
If at any time you felt that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your CEO so a deduction of tips can take place.
A guideline for tipping is about $5-10 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G Adventures CEO). On Day 1 of your tour, your CEO will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip. You can pay in USD or the equivalent Egyptian pound (preferably Egyptian pounds). The CEO will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.
Also at the end of your trip if you felt that your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however 20-25 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.
Safety and Security
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
A Couple of Rules
Travel Insurance
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Feedback
Newsletter
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 5 years for this trip. Please see the activities for any specific minimum age requirements.
Recommended for children of all ages.
Max Pax
Max pax 20
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
Day 5 Optional Activities
