Jordan Sightseeing
Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Group Size : 2
Physical Rating :
Easy : Suitable for most people in good health. These trips generally include short hikes or / and cycling trips on good paths with minimal uphills.
Welcome to Terhaal Adventures. We've designed these journeys to help you explore the very best of Jordan. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the trip. We're here to help. Enjoy!
Itinerary Disclaimer
The holiday itinerary set out below offers a good overview of the trip, but should be taken as a general guide only. We're continually improving these tours, and it's possible we will adjust the itinerary to take advantage of new opportunities or to avoid adverse weather or difficulties with transportation. We recommend that you print out a copy of the trip details a couple of days prior to departure, in case there have been any changes that may affect your plans.
The information in this document does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal Adventures.
Meeting Point
Amman - Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). A transfer will be provided from the airport to your hotel in Amman - a 40 minute drive.
Finishing Point
Amman - Queen Alia International Airport. A transfer will be provided from your hotel Amman to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) - a 40 minute drive.
If you wish to plan an extension for your trip, please let us know and we'll be glad to assist.
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(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN AMMAN
Your driver will be waiting at Amman (AMM) airport to take you directly to your hotel in Amman - a 40-minute drive. There are no activities planned for today. Please keep in mind that hotel check-in time is typically after 2.00pm. Early check in is not guaranteed, but if you do arrive early luggage storage is available at the hotel.
Meals included: none
Day 2 : JERASH AND THE DEAD SEA
Today you'll head north to discover one of the great Roman cities of the Middle East, Jerash. Founded at the time of Alexander the Great, Jerash flourished for around a thousand years as a trade center on the road between Damascus and Petra. The city's colonnaded streets are basically intact, as is the beautiful oval forum and the gateway built to commemorate the visit of the Emperor Hadrian. The theatre, temples, baths, and hippodrome are all well preserved, and there are some wonderful Byzantine mosaic floors from the early Christian period.
Leaving Jerash, you head out to Ajloun to enjoy a lunch at the home of a local Jordanian family. After lunch you'll drive down to the Dead Sea and have the chance to float in its warm, intensely saline water. It is an unforgettable experience! The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the earth (some 400m below sea level) and contains mineral-rich muds that have been recognized since antiquity for their curative properties. This mud costs a fortune in Europe, but in Jordan you can scoop it from the seabed and cover yourself with it! The blue water, the white salt-encrusted shore, and the red desert mountains also make this an outstandingly beautiful place.
A 30 minute drive then brings us up to our hotel in Madaba. (B, L)
Day 3 : MADABA, MOUNT NEBO, KARAK AND DANA
Madaba is a lively little town a short drive west of Amman. It's famous for the mosaic map of the Holy Land that was found on the floor of a ruined Byzantine church. The map, made around 560 C.E., depicts the whole region in startlingly accurate detail, from the fish in the River Jordan to the streets of Jerusalem, and offers a vivid insight into the world of the first Christian pilgrims who toured late Roman Palestine. Many visitors see the map and move on, but there are other wonderful mosaics in Madaba and you'll get the chance to explore the best of them in the nearby archaeological park.
A very short west of Madaba is Mount Nebo, a hilltop with sweeping views down to the Dead Sea and across the Jordan River towards Palestine. On a clear day you can see Jericho and even Jerusalem from here. For centuries Christians have believed this is the place where Moses died, within sight of the Promised Land, having led his people out of slavery in Egypt. In the early Christian period Mount Nebo became a place of pilgrimage, and it was at this time that craftsmen made the beautiful mosaics floors that have been excavated here over the last 80 years.
We leave Nebo and head south along the Kings' Highway, which can claim to be the oldest continuously used road in the world. For millennia it linked the civilizations of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and remained an important trade route right down to Ottoman times. Since the construction of the new main road from Amman and Aqaba, the Kings Highway has become a scenic back route, twisting and turning through the hills between Petra, Kerak, and Madaba.
Your next stop is the hilltop town of Karak. Kerak has been a strategically important site for at least three thousand years, controlling the ancient caravan road between Syria and Egypt and commanding immense views down into the Wadi Araba south of the Dead Sea. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Moab, and was also fortified by the Greeks, Nabataeans, and Romans.
Today Kerak is known for the most recent of these fortifications, the great Crusader castle that dominates the town. Almost nine hundred years after it was built, the castle remains a brutal, frightening, undeniably impressive piece of architecture. It marked the eastern limit of the Crusader kingdoms that were created here in the 12th century and controlled the road between Syria and the Hijaz or Egypt. In 1176 it fell into the hands of one of the most sadistic and violent Frankish princes, Raynald of Chatillon, who used it as a base from which to raid the caravans and even to mount an attack on Mecca. It was besieged and eventually taken by the Arab Islamic armies of Salah Eddin (Saladin) in 1189. In the Ottoman period the castle was often occupied by Bedouin tribes in revolt against Turkish rule. Despite centuries of use Kerak castle is remarkable well preserved - you can wander though the stables, peer out of the arrow slits, and explore the sleeping quarters, bakery, and church.
A scenic evening drive brings you to Dana Nature Reserve, one of the Kingdom's most beautiful national parks. Here you will stay at the simple, friendly eco-lodge in time to enjoy the views down the valley and take a stroll in the village. (B, D)
Day 4 : PETRA TOUR
This morning you'll drive south, directly to Petra. No matter how many times you've seen it reproduced on film, nothing can really prepare you for the first glimpse of the city. The classic entry takes you through the long twilight of the siq, a narrow canyon that twists for more than a mile through the red sandstone, and then stuns you into silence with the sunlit façade of the Treasury, a monument cut into the rock some 2000 years ago with a refinement that is scarcely believable. From the postcards, you'd think this was what you'd come to see. But it's just the beginning. Petra is a vast archaeological site, most of it still unexcavated; you could spend days exploring the ruins and still not see it all. It was built by the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe who began as tent-dwelling Bedouin but soon came to dominate the most lucrative trade of the ancient world: incense. They used the money to create this city and to build an empire that extended from the Red Sea to Damascus. They also absorbed architectural ideas from Egypt, from the Babylonians, and from the Greek cities of the Mediterranean, using them to create the hybrid culture that you see in these ruins. The Temple of the Winged Lions, the High Place of Sacrifice, the Roman theatre, the Garden Tomb, the Byzantine church - any one of these monuments would be an archaeological treasure in its own right; in Petra, you can explore them one after another, and find them all set into one of the finest desert landscape in the Middle East.
You'll leave the archaeological site in the late afternoon and check into a comfortable hotel in Wadi Musa for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 5 : PETRA
Another full day to explore Petra at your leisure. We'll be happy to advise you on how to make the best of this day. You could take it easy and go for a relaxed stroll round the ruins, or make an early start and enter the city at first light, before the tourists arrive. (B)
Day 6 : WADI RUM
on written by T.E. Lawrence of Arabia almost century ago, and with good reason. "The Arab armies would have been lost in the length and breadth of it," he wrote, "and within the walls a squadron of aeroplanes could have wheeled in formation. Our little caravan grew self-conscious, and fell dead quiet, afraid and ashamed to flaunt its smallness in the presence of such stupendous hills. Landscapes, in childhood's dream, were so vast and silent."
ons chipped into the rock over thousands of years. After a picnic lunch in the shade, followed by a cup of tea and a rest, you'll drive on to the great red dune, where you can kick off your shoes and run down the soft, warm sand. In the late afternoon you'll arrive at your camp in the heart of the protected area, where there'll be time to relax and take in the sunset before enjoying a Bedouin feast of meat and vegetables cooked in the zerb, an oven of fire-heated sand and stone. If you're still not tired out by the day's adventures you can stay up round the fire, talking and laughing with your Bedouin hosts and watching the night sky.
Your accommodation is a simple but comfortable Bedouin campsite, with a traditional goat hair tent divided into twin ‘rooms.' There are proper toilets and showers on the site (go easy on the water), as well as shaded seating areas for relaxing and dining. (B, L, D)
Day 7 : AQABA
You'll wake up in the peace and quiet of the desert and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before driving back to Rum village and heading south to Aqaba. The morning is free for you to take it easy, relax on the beach, or swim or snorkel in the warm waters of the Red Sea. This ocean offers clear, warm waters and some of the finest coral reefs in the world. It has made Aqaba a great destination for scuba divers as well as more casual water sports enthusiasts. The town is a lively, laid back kind of place, with beautiful views over the Red Sea and year-round sunshine.
In the later afternoon you'll transfer back north to your hotel in Amman. (B)
Day 8 : DEPART FROM AMMAN AIRPORT (AMM)
A single group transfer will be provided from your hotel to AMM Airport - a 40-minute drive.
If your flight departs very late, we encourage you to have a wander round Amman. Jordan's capital is a real, living city, full of quirky neighborhoods, friendly people, and fabulous food. You can begin up at the citadel, taking in the views and exploring the Roman and early Islamic ruins. Just downhill is the Roman theatre, built during the reign of Emperor Antonius but now embedded into modern Amman and still used for cultural and musical events. From here you can wander through the markets, maybe stopping in a local café to take in the street scenes, watch the old men playing backgammon, and try Arabic coffee and pastries. This is also a good chance to smoke the scented tobacco of the argeelah or hubbly bubbly. (B)
We wish you a safe homeward journey and hope to see you again in Jordan soon.
What's included
All accommodation - Hotels (5nts), Bedouin campsite (1nt), Eco Campsite (1nt)
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
All transports and listed activities
Arrival and depature airport transfers
Local Bedouin host in Wadi Rum
What's not included
Flights
Travel insurance
Visas
Entrance fees (US$140 per person)
Single accommodation supplement (US$210)
Tips
Personal expenditures (minibar, drinks, laundry, etc.)
What to Take
During the trip your baggage will be carried by bus and by 4WD vehicles. The only baggage weight limit is that imposed by the airline. However, we ask that you restrict your luggage to one main bag plus a small daypack. In general we recommend that you travel as light as possible as this will make transiting between airports and carrying your bag to hotel rooms a lot easier for you. You may find that wheeled luggage is more convenient on a trip of this nature.
Temperatures in Jordan can be hot, with little rain from late spring through until late autumn. The heat can become extreme during the summer months of July and August. In the months of November to March it can be cool at night, particularly in the desert where the temperatures can drop to 5C or even less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can get cold at night.
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and tends to be quite conservative, so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times.
A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat is essential. From mid November to late February, a sleeping bag is essential for your nights in the desert. At other times a sleeping sheet will suffice. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the heat.
Check List
> Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets etc.
> Health requirements arranged
> Money: travelers cheques/cash/credit card
> Money pouch
> First aid kit
> Backpack to carry your personal needs during the day(the type with a lower-back pad support and waist strap are very much recommended)
> Alarm clock and torch/flashlight (headlights are best)
> Insect repellent
> Ear plugs can be useful
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Lock for your bag
> Bedding - a bed sheet to be used over the mattress provided in the desert- the travel bed sack is even better
> Sleeping bag if you wish - mattresses and blankets are available in the desert
> Small travel towel - for use in the desert
> Your personal hygiene kit
> Toilet paper
> Eye shades
> Hiking shoes
> Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters.
> Sandals
> Light clothes; long sleeves and light colors are advisable in summer time
> A hat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Warm clothes for cooler nights
> Sun protection lotion
> Dates, fruits, or candy bars (to provide instant calories during outdoor activities)
> Water flask
> Insect repellent
Health
This is an active trip, and it is highly recommended that all travelers be in good physical health prior to arriving in Jordan. We also advise all our guests to consult their doctor beforehand.
Group leaders reserve the right to exclude (without refund) clients from the trip if the group leader believes that that client's own health may be endangered by the journey, or if the group leader thinks that the client's participation might compromise the enjoyment, health, or safety of the group as a whole.
Safety
Jordan is generally considered a safe country. There is very little petty crime here, especially in rural areas. However, we recommend you take normal precautions to ensure your safety and that of your belongings, as you would for any other destination. Take good care of your passport, wallet, and other valuables. In crowded streets, keep your bag closed and in front of you. There will be free time during this trip - you can always ask your local guides for their advice about where to go and what to avoid. Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing for the hiking trips you will be taking.
Hospitality
Jordanians are famously friendly and welcoming towards guests, especially in rural areas. It is quite normal for Jordanians to invite foreigners in to drink tea or have a meal in the family home. Meeting the local people in spontaneous encounters of this sort is one of the great pleasures of travelling in Jordan.
Ramadan
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all 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 time to travel to Jordan as you'll be able to participate in the feasting and holiday atmosphere that follows the breaking of the fast as sunset each day. You'll also get to taste special sweets that are only baked for Ramadan. You do not have to fast, and no-one will expect you to; however, you should try to eat and drink discreetly, if possible, rather than in crowded public places.
Visas
Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, at the land borders, or at the port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD 40. However, you should consult the Jordanian embassy in your home country to make sure you are not subject to any special visa requirements.
Departure tax
You will be required to pay a JOD 5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not generally apply when exiting through airports, but travellers on some budget airlines may be required to pay it).
Money Exchange
The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1.
Spending Money
It is difficult to say how much spending money you should bring as each person is different! However, you'll need some cash for any meals not included in the itinerary, plus snacks, drinks, gifts etc.
Emergency Funds
It is a good idea to have access to extra funds in case of any emergency (urgent healthcare / travel costs etc.). This is highly unlikely, of course, but best to be 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 trip leader. If your insurance is provided through your credit card, your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt or credit card statement) with the 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(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680
+962(0)79 778 4433
+962(0)79 5536351
Alternatively you can email [email protected]
Your Fellow Travelers
Group trips entail all the pleasures and occassionally 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 group's needs and preferences. Patience and flexibility really help to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Please remember that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and again that the best trips are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Many thanks in advance!
Responsible Travel
We believe in low impact or ‘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, while maximising the positive aspects of the encounter. Jordan is a small country with few natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region, so please go easy on the water. Terhaal designs these tours in a way that maximizes benefits for local communities. Whenever possible we hire local staff in the areas where we operate, and our guests stay in locally owned hotels. We also include some volunteering activities where appropriate, such helping farmers to harvest their olives. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and the environmental education of Jordan's 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. It is also unsafe to drink alcohol while out hiking / cycling, so please wait until you're back at the hotel to enjoy a drink.
Feedback
After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. Your feedback not only helps us to improve the trips, but also helps other travelers to decide on the right tour for them. 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/feedback-form
Our blog
Our blog - ‘Treks & Trails of Jordan' - is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan. It is also a great way to give feedback and to 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 this email: team[at]terhaal.com
You can find the blog here -
blog.terhaal.com
Single Travelers
Our trips are designed with shared accommodation in mind whereby single travelers are paired with individuals of the same sex in twin shared accommodation. Forced singles are free of charge.
Single accommodation is available on request pending availability.