The Martian Film Tour

Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Group Size : 50

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 Dead Sea hotel to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) - a 60 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 : Meet and Greet, Transfer to Amman for Overnight

Welcome to Jordan! On arrival in Amman International Airport (Queen Alia) you will be met and assisted by our airport representative who will guide you through customs and introduce you to your driver before you are escorted to your hotel.

Day 2 : Amman and Jerash - Overnight Amman

After breakfast, you will guests will head to enjoy a sightseeing tour of Amman, which will introduce you to the diversity of the people in this rich and proud land. Explore the Citadel of Philadelphia (ancient Amman) and see how layers of archaeological remains can make a mountain of knowledge. Following our traditional street food tour of this vibrant Arabian Capital you will head to Jerash, the best preserved Roman city in the Middle East. Your professional guide will guide you through this fascinating Roman city. Soak up the atmosphere in the theatres, walk along the Cardo and feel the ruts made by the chariots nearly 2,000 years ago. Admire the Roman architecture of the Oval Plaza, the Nymphaeum and the Roman temples spread over the site. Overnight Amman.

Day 3 : Wadi Rum- The Red Planet of Mars

ons and rock art depicting hunting scenes. Dinner and overnight at Wadi Rum Nights Fixed Bedouin Camp

 

Day 4 : Wadi Rum

Wake up in the serenity of the desert as the clear morning light of sunrise gives the desert a heavenly aura before and enjoying breakfast on the rocks with undisturbed views. Following breakfast your Bedouin guide will continue your tour of Rum which will include 4x4, walking and riding the "Ship of the Desert", The Camel. Riding a Camel is the most authentic way to experience Wadi Rum, as the slow pace fits in perfectly with life in the sand. You will spend the night completely under the stars in a private mobile Bedouin Camp. As the sun sets and the temperature drops the colours of the desert really spring into life. When day turns to night the desert takes on an eerie feel until the stars arrive and light up the night sky. Sitting round the campfire you will be able to soak up the atmosphere and count the endless stars in the starry sky. Waking to the clear crisp light of dawn is an exhilarating experience and one that should not be missed. This is when the desert is at its most peaceful and friendly. Within a few hours it will be time to move on to the "rose red city of Petra".

Day 5 : Petra

As Wadi Rum starts to get hot you will head into the mountains to visit Petra, the "rose red city half as old as time". Despite reading about, seeing hundreds of pictures and even films nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed. As you cross the doorsill of Petra the gates of the past opens up to one of the famous world wonders, the ancient city Petra. Myths say it was built by magic, but it is the perfect example of the mind of god and the hand of man working together in perfect harmony. The Treasury, Petra's most famous and most photographed monument is just one of eight hundred hand carved tombs and monuments hidden within the mountains. Following a rich and vibrant period as the Nabatean Capital it was then taken by the Romans and subsequently the early Christian before it was lost to the outside world for over 1,000 years. Since its rediscovery in 1812 Petra has attracted tourists from all corners of the globe. After a full day touring Petra you will overnight just outside the gates.

Day 6 : PETRA TOUR

As you head from the high mountain escarpment to the valley you will slowly enter the enchanting world of authentic Bedouin hospitality and natural beauty of Wadi Araba. Deep in the heart of the mountainous Dana Biosphere Reserve, at the end of a rugged track, an idyllic candle-lit lodge rests in the dry and dusty landscape. Wadi Feynan. Hailed as one of the best 25 Eco lodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, the award-winning, solar powered, candle lit Feynan Eco lodge offers the most developed eco-experience in Jordan. At sunset you will embark on a short walk to meet local families living near the lodge in their traditional houses of hair or Beit al Shaar. These families will teach you about their crafts and traditions such as making kohl and Arabic coffee. Overnight in probably the best Eco Lodge in the world.

Day 7 : Dead Sea

Leaving Feynan you will head to 410 metres below sea level, the lowest place on earth. The Dead Sea. With its mineral rich, salty water you will enter into another world. Unable to swim because of he added buoyancy from the salt, you only choice is to sit back and relax. For thousands of years people have been visiting the Dead Sea for its therapeutic and healing properties. The oxygen rich air at this altitude gives you an added boost and you will leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Overnight Dead Sea.

Day 8 : Departure

Depart the Dead Sea and head home via Queen Alia international airport. Our expert airport team will ensure your departure is a smooth and trouble free.

What's included

All accommodation (7nts) - a combination of lodges, guesthouses, Bedouin camps and 5* Hotel
Overnight Accommodation, 2 Amman, 2 Wadi Rum, 1 Petra, 1 Feynan Eco Lodge and 1 Dead Sea
Food - Bed and Breakfast + 3 dinners (Wadi Rum and Feynan), 1 lunch in Wadi Rum
All transports and listed activities
Arrival and depature airport transfers
Entrance fees to all listed sites 
Local English speaking guides in key sites of Jerash and Petra
English speaking driver and Bedouin guides

 

What's not included

Flights
Travel insurance
Visas
Single accommodation supplement mandatory for single travellers (US$285)
Tips for guide, driver, hotels and restaurants staff
Personal expenditures (minibar, drinks, laundry, etc.)

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.

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.