Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Depart London for Amman; transfer to Amman hotel. Fly to Amman; transfer to Amman hotel. The hotel is approximately a 40 minute transfer from the airport.Comfortable Hotel Day 2 Visit Jerash then Amman city tour This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets which remarkably have the drains still intact, two theatres and the impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around we head back to Amman for a city tour including the Citadel, the Roman Theatre and the old city.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Drive down King's Highway to Petra via Mt Nebo, Madaba and Kerak. Today is a long driving day down the King's Highway which takes us up and down huge 'wadis' (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mt Nebo and Kerak, which is a magnificent fortified town. Further south we reach the magnificent city of Petra; Jordan's premier historic site and one of the world's most outstanding ancient cities.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Days 4-5 Two days exploring Petra including optional hikes 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 Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Drive to Wadi Rum desert; 4WD excursion and overnight in a Bedouin camp. This morning there is the option to take a guided tour through Little Petra or you can relax at our hotel before we join the modern Desert Highway and make our way south to Wadi Rum. The purpose of Little Petra is not clear however archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the silk route may have stayed. Today we enter the natural world heritage site of Wadi Rum where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor 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 1962 epic film were shot. After checking into our private Exodus camp our Bedouin hosts take us for around a 2-hour 4x4 jeep trip to explore some of the highlights of the protected area. We go to the main popular sights, have time to sample bedouin tea and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. From here we return to our camp where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a traditional dinner called Zarb which is cooked underground. After dinner we learn about Bedouin culture and music through interacting with the family who run the camp. Permanent Bedouin tents Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Morning in Wadi Rum; drive to Aqaba; relax by the Red Sea 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 resort with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience by hiring snorkelling equipment and swimming over the coral reef looking out for colourful fish. This can be arranged and paid for on the day at the resort. (10 JD at time of publishing) You will walk along a jetty and get in from a small ladder to ensure you don't walk on the coral. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.Standard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Drive from Aqaba to the Dead Sea Leaving the Red sea behind we will head to the Dead sea which is one of the most fascinating places on earth. Free time to experience floating and trying the dead sea mud then cooling off in the swimming pool. This evening there will be a group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your farewells. Comfortable Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 Transfer to international airport. Transfer directly to the international aiport for your flight home. This journey takes around an hour or less and does not need to pass through Amman so it avoids the city traffic. Meals included: Breakfast
Jordan Visas are required by most nationalities, including British, and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport. At time of print, visa fees (usually 40JOD) have been waived for all nationalities travelling to Jordan with a tour operator and spending a minimum of 2 nights in country. Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. He will be carrying an Exodus sign. For more information on the free Jordan Visa, please see the link below:http://international.visitjordan.com/MediaCenter/News/JordanianGovernmen...
Jordan There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid.
Hotels and Camp We spend 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 3 nights in a standard hotel in Petra, 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Aqaba and the final night in a 5-star hotel at the Dead sea. We also have one night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum. The private camp is for the sole use of the Exodus group and offers an unforgettable experience. Throughout the tour we use hotels with en suite facilities and air conditioning. 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 may 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 plumbing for all hotels. In general, the hotels in Petra are of an older style and more basic in comparison with the rest of Jordan. At the Wadi Rum camp there are 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.
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Reviewed February 2020 Linda Sayers Trip: A Week in Jordan Fabulous I loved very moment of this trip . Jordan is a country full of great sights and great people - lots of variety. Hard to know what was the best bit - Petra featured highly as did Wadi Rum but then so did Jerash. Tour leader Ibrahim gets it exactly right - gentle and guding leadership with expert knowledge of the history , archaeology and culture of his amazing country. A great Guy ! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? that first glimpse of the Treasury at Petra was then surpassed by the Monastery - after 800 steps up! What did you think of your group leader? 100% great guy ! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for all weathers - 4 seasons in a day. Desert nights are cold !
Reviewed February 2020 Lisa Hanlon Trip: A Week in Jordan Excellent trip and guide Booked very late and was lucky enough to have single room option still available. The trip is superb. More than Petra. So much in one week and very well organised. We had every season going including snow on our week, and still had a dip in Dead Sea at the end of our holiday. Pack layers for jan feb trips, and a warm jacket! Our guide, Ibrahim was superb. Great knowledge, good fun, and helpful with useful advice. Pick your choice of walks in Petra as it is massive. My highlight was the walk to high sacrifice in Petra, stunning ,even with my dislike of open heights on one spot. I would recommend Jordan for it’s friendliness, people, culture and it’s a short haul flight to a completely different landscape/culture. Brilliant trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra high sacrifice walk. Jerash? So unexpected. What did you think of your group leader? Ibrahim is a real credit to exodus. His passion for his country and history is authentic. He loves his job. Something to be envious of. He is really knowledgeable about all the sites we saw. He knew how to bring the best out in the group. One of the best guides I’ve had. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Plan for four seasons in winter. I thought I was ridiculous taking a padded jacket to Jordan. Nope. I needed it for three days . Feb tour 2020. Lightweight walking shoes are a must.
Reviewed January 2020 Amanda Johnson Trip: A Week in Jordan Beautiful. Fascinating. Enjoyable. Excellent trip that covered the major sites in a short amount of time. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra was always going to be the highlight for obvious reasons and it is everything I thought it would be and more but I was surprised at how big a site Jerash was and how little I knew about it. It was really surprising and fascinating. The mosaics in the churches dotted throughout Jordan are just breathtakingly beautiful. Wadi Rum was always going to be special too and the stars at night are amazing. What did you think of your group leader? Ibrahim was a true gentleman. He was funny, passionate about his country, caring and patient. He was always concerned that everyone was ok and enjoying the experience. He tried to ensure everyone's needs were catered for in quite a diverse group. He was always available to listen and help and ensured that any problems were resolved quickly. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? To be honest the trip notes cover it and other travellers comments too help ensure you are prepared. I wouldn't be put off by others experiences of optional trips - I decided I was only here once (I would go back but too many other countries I need to visit) so did the camel ride at sunset at Wadi Rum and also the Petra at night and thoroughly enjoyed both. Basically you get out of them what you put into them - enjoy it! Also did the hike up the monastery at Petra and the hike behind the tombs to look down on the Treasury from above - both were worth it and a good workout!! Is there anything else you would like to add? It is a beautiful country with beautiful, friendly people. The landscape can be starkly beautiful and the historical sites are amazing. The first few days are a bit full on but if you are of an average fitness they are not hard going at all and you can take it at your own pace. It is nice to relax at the end and do a bit of snorkelling or floating the dead sea.
Reviewed January 2020 Sandra Taylor Trip: A Week in Jordan fine This was an excellent holiday - well organised, a good mixed variety of activities and sights, not overly much travelling, good hotels and the leader took us to nice restaurants. And in particular I liked the 'free time' element given at the actual sights not provided as these lame ' a free afternoon in your hotel' business when it's difficult to access the places you want to see. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra and Wadi Rum What did you think of your group leader? Outstanding group leader. Ibrahim had that prefect combination of being highly organised but appearing laid back and relaxed. I recommend him to any group. He dealt with any issues that arose from group members well so they never became 'issues'. He was a so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Jordan but never 'over- informed'. We didn't have to listen to lengthy lectures standing looking at endless Roman and other remains - instead he gave us the outlines and left us to explore or ask questions as we wanted. And above he was fun. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Heed well the advice given in the comprehensive notes Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks Exodus - I'll be back! BUT please Exodus get your act together regards feedback - it took you a week to send me the feedback email by which time I'd lost interest in feedback.
Reviewed January 2020 Stephanie Scollard Trip: A Week in Jordan Jordan loves you! This was a fantastic trip. I loved Jordan. Ibrahim, the Guide, was excellent and had everything perfectly organised. The food was amazing, and hotels were nice. Petra was unforgettable. Hiking boots are a good idea. The weather was hot in the middle of the day and quite cold at the beginning and end of the day. (T-shirts, with lots of layers, and a coat required, for December trips.) I have done several trips with Exodus and would thoroughly recommend this one. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra was amazing. What did you think of your group leader? Ibrahim is lovely. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take hiking boots.
Reviewed December 2019 Douglas Robertson Trip: A Week in Jordan A week in Jordan ........ if Carlsberg made a week anywhere ..this would be it! I knew all about Petra before travelling but Jordan is about so much more than that as I discovered. A fantastic week with history, culture, food and experiences that I will never forget. People queried how safe Jordan was before I left for the trip and I can honestly say I haven't felt safer on any trip I've been on before. The people were the kindest, friendliest and most open people you could hope to meet. The trip can be as active as you want with plenty of free time in Petra to trek around or just take it easy. Our guide Ibrahim was a brilliant leader who typified the hospitality of Jordan and spoke knowledgeably about history and culture. I would happily return again! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing Petra up close was amazing but spending a night in the desert was a surprising highlight for me - the stars and the peace and tranquillity were amazing What did you think of your group leader? Ibrahim was brilliant!!!! He was knowledgeable, kind, attentive and fun. He shared Jordan past and present with us opening up about history and culture - past and present. He was always there for us and made sure we knew where to be and when and what to make sure we saw or tried. A true ambassador for both his country and Exodus Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Dont think twice just go there!!! if you go later in the year it is cooler at night so do bring layers ..... and dont forget water shoes for the beaches!
Reviewed December 2019 Raji Rajasingham Trip: A Week in Jordan An informative week The trip was packed full of activities, which was great, but it could benefit from the odd afternoon of downtime here and there to take a breather and reflect on the activities and places seen. It is a comprehensive tour of the ket sights of Jordan - loved the the inclusion of both the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. Petra was, of course, without a doubt the highlight of the trip, but little Petra was lovely too and the night in Wadi Rum viewing sunset by four wheel drive and sunrise by camel (optional) was great fun. All in all a good trip, which I would recommend. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Climbing up past the monastery to sit on the rock's edge and take in the view plus having tea and enjoying the view at the High Place - both at Petra. What did you think of your group leader? Organisationally competent, but extremely and unacceptably rude and unprofessional in his behaviour - he stood up in a restaurant and shouted at me all because a few of us wanted to clarify what the facilities at Wadi Rum and at the Red Sea beach were going to be like. He was incapable of providing simple answers to simple questions and saw any request for information or question as an opportunity to attempt at being comedic, which frustrated many amongst the tour group, and led to others just not asking anything. Is there anything else you would like to add? We had a room with barely any natural light at the hotel in Petra, which was quite unpleasant given we were there for 3 days and nights during which we had to constantly have the lights on whenever we were in the room. Still despite this the room was very dim and a tight fit for two adults with a suitcase each. Following this we found oursleves in an inside room with no natural light at all at the very next hotel at the Red Sea, although at least that room was larger and brightly lit.
Reviewed December 2019 Sharon GRAHAM Trip: A Week in Jordan Team Jordon 23 Nov-1 Dec An amazing week with a fabulous group of people and great guide. The trip is planned to take you through that gentle build up of activity on the first and second day to the much more strenuous exertion of days 4,5 & to a lesser degree day 6, before bringing you back down to the more restful experience of swimming/snorkelling in the Red Sea then floating and mud bathing at the Dead Sea. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Petra came high up on the list but there was something everywhere (don't do a trip with only one day at Petra if you can avoid you will miss so much). The most fun was had with the mud at the Dead Sea (an experience never to forget)! What did you think of your group leader? Nidal is full of knowledge about his country that he is more than happy to share with all to enhance our understanding and help appreciate what we were seeing. He took care when needed and I am sure did more behind the scenes to keep the trip flowing smoothly but also gave us that bit of space. I am sure he knows everyone in Jordon personally and knows all of us in the group too after our week! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? In late November it goes from comfortably warm during the day to quite cold at night, because of the sudden drop in temperature when the sun goes down (still warmer than UK!), so don't forget to bring warm clothes, for those who feel the cold, gloves, hat, maybe even a hot water bottle for Wadi Rum Camp (plus Jeep and camel ride). Is there anything else you would like to add? For those thinking of this trip the walking in Petra can be a little tricky for those with a fear of heights or steep drops to the side of you. Be prepared to have to put in some serious strenuous effort to the climbs in Petra if you want to see some of the most spectacular views down on the hidden city. My thanks to all those who were on this trip for being great company.
Reviewed December 2019 Sharon Caton Trip: A Week in Jordan Excellent Great trip, only went to see Petra but Jordan is so much more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Wadi rum, the people are amazing. Sleeping under the stars and the sunrise and sunset are spectacular. What did you think of your group leader? He made the whole week exciting, his enthusiasm and sence of humour made the holiday. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No need, guide took care of everything Thank you Ibrahim Isbitani.
Reviewed November 2019 Steven Barnett Trip: A Week in Jordan Amazing Found this to be an amazing trip, Petra and Wadi Rum were both amazing places and I'd have loved to spend a little longer there! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Probably the first time you walk into Petra, sleeping under the stars in the desert was great as well. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Ibrahim was perfect. Funny, informative and new the best places for food. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trip notes over exaggerate the need for warm clothes. I went in November and was fine with a thin jumper and I had a thermal training top for the night in the desert. Some of the older people got a little cold staying out in the desert, so coats could be needed for some. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go to Jordan
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