Welcome to Terhaal adventures... we hope that you enjoy exploring Jordan's hidden treasures as much as we do.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itinerary attached is correct at the time of printing. However please note that occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to your trip, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Meeting Point
Meeting location is At Feynan Reception at Rashaideh village. Please be there at 2PM sharp as there will be a pickup transfer arranged to transport us from the reception to the lodge (the last 7km to the lodge is a dirt road that can be tough for sedan vehicles).
Visitors in 4x4s will be directed to the Lodge by the staff in the reception point.
If you are coming from Amman, the trip to Feynan takes approximately 3 hours. Follow the Dead Sea-Aqaba Highway until you reach an army checkpoint which lies about 290 Km from Amman. Turn left right after the checkpoint towards the village of Greigra and Feynan. Follow the road for around 15 minutes until you reach the outskirts of Greigra village. From the village follow the signs to the reception point in the Rashaidi Village.
For assistance, please call our office at +962 6 5813061, +962 7 77784433, or +962 7 95536351.
Finishing Point
On day 2, there will be a transfer planned at 3:30pm from the lodge to the reception where the program ends. If you wish to leave earlier or later, you can ask the folks at the lodge to arrange another pick up which you will pay yourself. However, if everyone agrees on leaving at another certain time, we are happy to adjust the pick-up schedule.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to begin your trip as scheduled, please contact us immediately at one of the following numbers:
+962 6 581 3061
+962 77 7784433
+962 77 777 9488
+962 79 553 6351
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
The reception is located in the village of Rashaidi 7km away from the lodge itself and the road from the reception to the road is a dirt one which is difficult for normal sedans to drive on. So unless you have a 4x4 vehicle, you will be transferred to the lodge using the service of the local bedouin and their pick-up vehicles.
We have reserved this pick-up service to be at a certain time. Those who would like to arrive at any other time are free to do so but unless they are driving a 4x4, they will have to arrange their pick up with the reception and cover the cost themselves (JD10).
Once you are at the Feynan eco-lodge you will check-in to your room and have a little rest if you wish, then you have a couple of options:
1. Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the place then in the evening you are invited to join the lodge's guides on a complimentary hike to the top of a gentle outcrop to watch to a sunset like no other. Against the dramatic backdrop of rugged, multi-coloured mountains, the sun descends, spreading vivid ambers, violets and reds across the canvas of the evening sky.
Take this rare opportunity to witness the end of the day in the Bedouin camps below; with children wandering home from play, women tending the evening fires, and men rounding up their herds in a peaceful dance as the sun falls. Feel the gentle breeze ushering in nightfall as stars dot the sky and guides brew fresh mint tea over the warm fire.
2. Rent a bike and depart from the lodge on a self-guided ride to explore the local villages, passing by archaeological treasures on the way through both on-road and off-track routes. Off-road tracks lead through Bedouin communities to the two nearby villages, where you can weave in and out of the narrow roads and gain an authentic sense of the daily activities and life of the villagers. You can then ride back to the lodge or arrange to transfer back to the lodge in a Bedouin pickup truck.
Please note this option is not included in the price, thus, you can arrange and pay directly to the folks at the lodge - the bike rental costs around USD28.
On your return to the lodge you will enjoy a healthy dinner of various vegertarian local recipes, and a special experience in desert accommodation at candle-lit Feynan eco lodge.
Overnight at Feynan Eco Lodge (D).
Feynan Eco Lodge: Set among the arid mountains of Wadi Araba, the Feynan Eco-lodge forms the western gateway of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and provides a special experience in desert accommodation. The lodge have a unique arabesque desert design and uses environment- friendly technologies, including solar power. At night, most of the lodge will be lit by candles, making it a very romantic destination.
Day 2
After breakfast we will go on a easy 3 to 4 hours hike to the ancient copper mines of feynan and learn how vast deposits of copper were discovered, mined and processed at Feynan by ancient civilisations thousands of years ago and what an important supply centre Feynan was for the Roman Empire. Come explore deep, long-forgotten mine shafts and visit nearby sites to see how the copper was transported and refined, leaving vast slag formations from the smelting process that are still visible today.
We'll then come back to the lodge where lunch will be served.
The afternoon is free for you to relax and hang out at the lodge.
Note that check-out time is usually at 11pm, but unless they urgently need your room, you can ask for a late check-out.
Using the service of the bedouins, you will transfer back to the reception where the program ends. (B L)
Feynan, is located in the Araba Valley, within the boundaries of Dana Biosphere Reserve. It was one of the largest copper works in the ancient Near East. Copper production in feynan reached its peak under the Edomites (during the 9-5th centuries BCE) when mining and smelting techniques attained high professional level and probably influenced the economic and political power of the Edomites.
Giant mounds of more than 200,000 tons of slag attest to copper productions on an industrial scale. One can imagine endless caravans of pack animals carrying juniper beams from the uplands to stoke the furnaces.
What remain today are runs of Byzantine churches, an aqueduct and a water reservoir and smelting furnace. The site has been exploited since the Early Bronze Age (middle of the third millennium BCE), the Iron Age 9-5th centuries BCE, the Roman Period 2-4th centuries and Byzantine churches and Christian and Islamic graves.
Inclusions
Transport
Transportation is not included in this adventure, except for the transportation among the itinerary: from the reception to the lodge and back.
If you require assistance with transportation please contact us at team@terhaal.com.
Accommodations
Eco lodge (1nt).
Meals
1 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch & 1 Dinners according to the itinerary above (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).
Activities
Sunset hike.
Self-guided bike ride (optional - not included).
The Coppermines hiking trail 3 to 4 hours.
Guides
Local hiking guides.
All our guides / tour leaders are Jordanian locals who have extensive knowledge of the local communities and terrain of the areas you will be visiting. We also make sure that they are properly trained in any specialized activities they may administer i.e. hiking, cycling etc. Your guide will also be in a position to provide information on the places you visit, recommend things to do and where to eat. At certain activities that require specialized expertise such as canyoneering or cycling, you will be joined by our canyoneering or cycling team.
Exclusions:
Transportation
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Bike rental
Tips
Checklist
> Comfortable lightweight walking boots suitable for rough terrain
> Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing appropriate to warm conditions
> Fleece warm blouse or jacket for cooler nights.
> A daypack of around 20 - 30 liters
> Torch and batteries
> Water bottles
> Sunhat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Sun protection lotion
> Sunglasses
> First aid kit
> Insect repellent
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Lock for your bag
> Your personal hygiene kit
> Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters.
> Sandals or slippers come handy at lodge after hiking
> Water flask
Health
It is recommended that all travelers be in good physical health prior to embarking on a Terhaal trip as all our trips are active/adventurous. We also advise all our guests to consult their doctor beforehand. Group leaders reserve the right to exclude any guest from a trip whom they believe may be of an unjustifiable risk to themselves or to the rest of the group without refund.
Physical Preparation
This is an active holiday. It involves cycling and hiking in hilly country. That will require a decent level of fitness to be enjoyable. We recommend you objectively assess your fitness level in conjunction with reading the itinerary to ensure this trip is right for you.
Safety
Jordan is generally considered to be a very safe country however we recommend that you bear the following in mind when visiting:
Be sensible how you store or carry around your passport, wallet and any valuables.
During some parts of the trip you will be given some free time to wander around on your own, relax or explore at your own leisure; at these times we recommend that you use your good judgment as to what activity(s) you choose to do. Our Group Leader / guide will be ready at all times to help you decide how you spend your time.
Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing for the hiking trips you will be taking. Helmets will be provided during the trips when required.
Local Culture
Jordanians are typically very friendly and welcoming of foreign guests, especially in rural areas and villages, and it is not unknown for a Jordanian to invite a foreigner he has just met into his home.
During the month of Ramadan Moslems refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all popular tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours [except in 5 Star Hotels] and many restaurants will be closed. While you definitely need to expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month of Ramadan is a fantastic month to travel to Jordan as it offers a chance to witness an enticing culture experience before and after the fast is broken.
Visas
Please make sure to consult your nearest Jordanian embassy for any visa requirement that you may be subject to.
Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, land borders, or port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD10.
Departure tax
You will be required to pay a JOD5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not apply when exiting by through airports).
Money Exchange
The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1.
Spending Money
Each traveler has his or her own spending habits and we recommend that you consider yours when allowing for all the daily expenses you will be incurring i.e. drinking, eating, shopping etc.
Emergency Funds
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence but it is well worth being prepared!
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Emergency Contact
In case of an emergency Terhaal's Amman Office can be reached on
+962 6 581 3061
+962 77 7784433
+962 77 777 9488
+962 79 553 6351
Alternatively you can email emergency@terhaal.com
Your Fellow travelers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.
Responsible Travel
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Jordan is a small country with little natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region so make sure you adapt a conservative attitude towards water consumption. Along the trip your tour leader will highlight such issues.
Terhaal plans its operations in a way that maximizes benefits for local communities; whenever we can, we hire staff locally in the areas where we operate, our guests stay in locally owned hotels and we attempt to organize our holidays around volunteering activities such helping farmers to harvest their apples, olives etc, and the like. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and environmental education for children.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make your destinations such special places. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession.
Consuming alcohol or being under its influence during our hiking activities will not be tolerated.
Participation form
All Terhaal travelers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with Terhaal. To read the full document, please follow this link http://www.terhaal.com/travel-jordan/adventure/participation-form.
Feedback
After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. We would appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to complete our feedback form, just follow this link:http://www.terhaal.com/content/feedback-form. Your feedback will not only help us improve, but will also help other travelers make their decisions after reading your feedback/ testimonial.
Our blog
Our blog, Treks & Trails of Jordan (www.terhaal.com/blog), is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan vis-à-vis first hand experiences.
It is also a great tool for documenting your feedback to communicate and share your Jordan experience with others. All you need to do is write one or two paragraphs about your trip with Terhaal, attach some photos if available and send it to us at blog@terhaal.com to have it published on our blog under your name.
Terhaal Adventures Newsletter
This is how we keep you updated by our news, reviews and special deals of adventure trips in Jordan. You can subscribe at any page of our website from the left sidebar.
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The information in this document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal. | 