Current as of: March 19, 2024 - 05:47

A Week in Jordan

A Week in Jordan Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Jordan
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 9 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 9 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AXW
  • Carbon Footprint: 42kg CO2e

Trip Overview

From Amman to the Dead Sea via Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, visit the essential stops in this extraordinary kingdom

Experience Jordan’s star attractions in just one week, each illuminated with the expert insight of our local tour leader. Spend two full days exploring the ancient rock-carved city of Petra, rightly named one of the New Wonders of the World, and take a guided tour of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and unwind by the Red Sea. Experience fabulous desert scenery at Wadi Rum, where we spend an unforgettable night at our private Bedouin camp.

A Week in Jordan

Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a star-gazing experience in Wadi Rum, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. The selected departures on this trip start in Amman on 25 September 2024 and 4 December 2024.

At a Glance

  • Seven nights in four to five-star hotels and comfortable hotels, one night in a private desert camp
  • Travel by air-conditioned bus and 4×4 in Wadi Rum
  • Group normally 4 to 20 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Extend your adventure with extra nights at the Dead Sea – speak to your sales representative for more

Highlights

  • Discover the secrets of Petra with two full days exploring the Red Rose City
  • Experience Bedouin life at our private desert camp in Wadi Rum
  • Stroll through the ancient Roman streets of Jerash
  • Float in the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea, an unmissable experience
  • Visit Mount Nebo, said to be the burial site of Moses

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. To do the optional 800 or so steps up to the Monastery or the climb to the High Place of Sacrifice, you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader can provide further advice about these hikes. It is not advisable to visit the High Place of Sacrifice if you suffer from vertigo, as there are some very steep, narrow steps and cliffs. The leader will show where the route to the High Place of Sacrifice starts but does not accompany people wishing to take this route.

Wadi Rum camping: Although the campsite has plumbed toilets and showers, they are basic and hot water may be limited. Our private Exodus camp is, however, often a highlight for guests.

Petra accommodation: Demand for rooms near Petra is extremely high. Over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The limited amount of accommodation and high demand can result in varying quality in both the accommodation and service. However, we stay at these hotels as they are well-located for our trip to Petra.

Ramadan is expected to run from 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 20

Itinerary

AXW Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Amman
  • End City: Dead Sea

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Amman

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

Day 2
Visit the Roman ruins at Jerash then Amman city tour

We drive north to Jerash this morning, the largest Roman ruins in Jordan. Buried for centuries under blown sand, the ancient architecture here is remarkably well preserved and an exploration of the dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets, two theatres and impressive Temple of Zeus provides a fascinating insight into life in the ancient world.

After a good look around, we head back to Amman for a city tour, which takes in the hilltop ruins of the Citadel, a site occupied by various civilisations from the Bronze Age, plus the 6,000-seat Roman amphitheatre and the old city.

Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Drive down King's Highway to Petra via Mount Nebo, Madaba and Kerak

Today is a long driving day as we head down the King’s Highway, which takes us up and down huge wadis (valleys). However, we have several stops of interest en route including Madaba, where we visit St George’s Church to admire its mosaic floor, considered the oldest map of Palestine in existence.

We then make the short drive to Mount Nebo, where, from this 2,295ft (700m) high viewpoint overlooking the Dead Sea to Palestine and Israel beyond, Moses is said to have first seen the Promised Land. It’s then to the magnificent fortified town of Kerak, a Crusader stronghold dominated by a medieval castle.

Further south, we reach Petra, the premier historic site in Jordan and one of the most outstanding ancient cities in the world.

Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Meals included: Breakfast

Days 4 - 5
Two days exploring Petra, including optional hikes

Enjoy two days exploring Petra, an ancient Nabatean city carved spectacularly into sandstone cliffs. Building started here in the third century BCE, but the Red Rose City was hidden for centuries until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812.

To enter, we walk down a narrow chasm known as the Siq. Dramatically unveiled at the end is El Khazneh (the Treasury), the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the city centre, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. You can also take the optional walk up the 800 or so steps to El Deir (the Monastery), with its superb facade topped by a huge urn.

On the second day, your guide takes 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.

Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Petra to Wadi Rum

This morning, we have the option to take a guided tour through Little Petra (extra cost, payable locally) or you can relax at our hotel before we join the modern Desert Highway and head 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 Road may have stayed.

It’s then to the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum, where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. It was here that Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot.

After we’ve checked into our private Exodus camp, our Bedouin hosts take us for an approximately two-hour 4×4 ride to explore the protected area. We visit the highlights, have time to sample Bedouin tea, and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. We then return to our camp, where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a traditional zarb dinner, which is cooked underground. After, we learn about Bedouin culture through interacting with the family who run the camp.

Accommodation: Exodus private camp (permanent Bedouin camp)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
Morning in Wadi Rum; drive to Aqaba; relax by the Red Sea

We wake in dramatic desert scenery and then head to Aqaba, a port and resort by the Red Sea, best known for having beautiful coral reefs. There is time to relax on a beach with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience with optional snorkelling and lunch packages (extra cost), which your leader can explain. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.

Accommodation: Lacosta Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Drive from Aqaba to the Dead Sea with optional trip to see Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Leaving the Red Sea, we transfer (4hr 30min) to the Dead Sea, where salt levels of around 34 percent keep you effortlessly afloat. There’s plenty of free time to experience this extraordinary phenomenon and to cover yourself with the Dead Sea mud, which is said to have healing powers, before cooling off in the swimming pool.

There’s also the chance to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, said to be the site of Jesus Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist, a moment marking the new era of Christianity. This is an optional trip that can be booked and paid for locally. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Dead Sea hotel and the entire visit usually lasts 1hr 45min, including the drive to/from the hotel. Those who do not wish to visit the site will check into the hotel.

This evening, we have a group dinner to celebrate our time in Jordan and say our farewells.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Dead Sea (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9
End Dead Sea

Breakfast marks our final meal, an excellent chance to reminisce about an adventure packed with excitement. To make your return journey home easier, there’s a free shared transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you’d like further days to relax by the Dead Sea, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels and a private Bedouin camp

On this Jordan adventure, we stay in a range of accommodations: a three-star hotel in downtown Amman, a simple but well-located hotel in Petra, and an unforgettable stay in a rustic Bedouin camp in the desert. We end in style, relaxing in a five-star hotel by the Dead Sea.

Below are the accommodations typically used on this trip:

Amman: Hotel Khan Khediwe (nights 1 & 2)

A Week in Jordan

In Amman, we usually stay at Khan Khediwe, a three-star hotel in the bustle of downtown Amman. It’s ideally placed for our adventures, close to a market and within walking distance of the Roman amphitheatre and shopping areas.

Petra: Hotel in Wadi Musa (nights 3-5)

A Week in Jordan

We spend three nights in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Demand for rooms near Petra is very high; over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The hotels are simple but well located. Some are within walking distance of the main entrance to the Red Rose City, others are no more than a 10-minute transfer away. Places we stay include Edom Hotel, Petra Plaza, Petra Palace, Amra Palace and La Maison among others.

Wadi Rum: Exodus Private Camp (night 6)

A Week in Jordan

Used exclusively by our groups, this permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in simple, traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience.  

Aqaba: Lacosta Hotel (night 7)

A Week in Jordan

In the heart of modern Aqaba, the four-star Lacosta Hotel is within easy reach of  shops, restaurants and the Red Sea. The rooms come with furniture and beds from the Middle East, while the hotel also has a gym and restaurant.

Dead Sea: Holiday Inn Dead Sea (night 8)

A Week in Jordan

A standout stay for many is the Holiday Inn at the Dead Sea. Checking into this five-star property allows us to kick back and relax, perhaps in one of the many pools or with a float in the salty Dead Sea waters from the private beach. There’s also a free-to-use gym and a selection of excellent restaurants and bars.

Worth knowing 

  • Demand for accommodation in Wadi Musa (Petra) is high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the accommodation is more basic compared to the rest of Jordan. 
  • Single supplements are available for this trip but cannot be guaranteed at Wadi Rum. Please enquire at the time of booking for details and up-to-date prices. 
  • If you are looking for a higher standard of accommodation, you may be interested in our Kingdoms of Jordan Premium Adventure, which follows a similar itinerary and stays at premium accommodation.

Single supplement from £ 250

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and two dinners are included on this trip.

When not half board, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around 20 Jordanian dinars (US$28) per person for non-included meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling vegetarian choice. There is a good choice of seafood available when at the Red Sea. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately from the meat.

Alcoholic drinks: Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader can tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel, which is also open to all.

Transport

For most of this trip, we use an air-conditioned bus with local drivers. Occasionally, we use two vehicles for the group. To reach the Wadi Rum camp, and to explore the desert, we use basic 4×4 vehicles, owned by the Bedouin family that hosts us. The vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall below normal vehicle safety standards expected on our trips. As there are no other vehicles available, and as we are not travelling by road, we feel they are an adequate means of transport.

Weather & Seasonality

October to November and March to April are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75F) in the day and down to 8C (46F) at night. Rain is more likely, but protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (89F) in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same.

Wadi Rum is around 30C (86F) on average in summer, though it can get as high as 40C (104F). It is usually cooler (30C/86F) at night. In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50C) during the day. In the evening, it can hit freezing point. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety.

Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible.

The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14C (57F) in winter up to 37C (98F) in summer. The water temperature doesn’t drop below 20C (68F).

As with many countries in the world, seasons can go on longer than usual so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides a single timed free transfer from the final hotel to the airport on departure day to align with a flight to London, UK. You may use this if travelling on other flights but check the timings with us before you book to see if it is suitable for you. If you book post-tour accommodation with Exodus in Madaba, we can arrange free drop-off as a stop on the group transfer. If arranging a post-tour stay in Amman, a private transfer at additional cost is needed, either from the Dead Sea or Amman airport. On departure, a transfer from Madaba or Amman to the airport would be at extra cost.

Please speak to your sales representative for more information on arrival and departure transfers.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Amman
Location end: Dead Sea

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Overnight bag for one-night stay in Wadi Rum
  • Lightweight walking boots/shoes for Petra
  • Sports bottle with a wide top (not plastic) for water refills from large containers
  • Sunhat
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimwear
  • Insect repellent for the night at the desert camp
  • Torch (flashlight) for desert camp
  • Appropriate footwear for the Dead Sea (parts are rocky underfoot)

You will encounter a range of temperatures on these trips. Light cotton clothing is suitable for daytime use, but you may need a sweater. For departures from the end of September onwards, you should also bring a warm jacket.

Please note, Jordan is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required when visiting holy sites and rural areas (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms covered). This is not necessary in the larger cities and more popular destinations.

Please try to bring no more than one main piece of luggage per person. On occasion, luggage may be transported separately to the vehicle the group travels in.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

  • Sleeping bag/liner for extra comfort for the night spent in the desert (basic bedding is provided including sheets and blankets)
  • Sea shoes for the Red and Dead seas

Practical Information

Passport

Jordan passport information

It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required for the free visa (see below for eligibility details) and additionally, has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.

Visa

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.

We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.

You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).

Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.

Vaccinations and Health

Jordan

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm all requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Jordan's time zone: Asia/Amman (UTC +03:00)

Electricity

Jordan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins), F (two round pins), G (three rectangular pins, UK standard), and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Jordan's currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)

ATM Availability

You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at Amman airport. Here you can find both ATMs and exchange desks. There are also ATMs in the major towns and cities, such as Madaba, Petra, Aqaba and Amman. However, some ATMs do not accept every card, so please bring some cash to change if possible. Your leader can advise on changing money and ATMs. Larger shops in the cities may take credit cards, but do not rely on this.

We suggest taking some money in cash (British pounds, euros or US dollars), with a mix of denominations. Small denomination cash dollars are useful for times when you want to change a small amount of money outside the major towns or cities.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Optional excursions
There are various excursions possible on this trip – the leader will provide more details on arrival. All prices are subject to change.

  • Petra by night: Follow the trail from the Siq to the Treasury in candlelight, where you are offered tea and traditional music by the local Bedouins, 17 dinars (US$24) per person. Please note, this is not possible every evening and it can get crowded. This is low-key entertainment, so it is best to go without expectations.
  • Little Petra: A smaller but still impressive version of the main Petra site. It costs 13 dinars (US$19) for guided tour and transport. This is an option on the morning we travel to Aqaba. If the whole group does this option, we check out of the hotel beforehand.
  • Turkish bath: 22 dinars (US$31) per person
  • Camel rides in Wadi Rum: Camel rides provided by the local Bedouins may be possible in Wadi Rum. It costs 20 dinars (US$28) per person for a 45-minute to one-hour ride.
  • Bethany Beyond the Jordan: 25 dinars (US$35) per person (paid locally)
  • Amman entry fees: The main sites are included in our city tour at the beginning of the trip. However, if you arrive a day early or have free time you may like to visit Mosque Abdallah. The entrance is 2 dinars (US$3).

Tipping

Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. However, while tipping may not be common in your home country, it is part of the culture in Jordan and is generally expected within tourism and many other areas of Jordanian life and is best done in Jordanian dinars.

For tipping your driver, hotel staff and other local staff, we recommend a tipping kitty. Your leader can advise on the amount; as a guide, expect it to be around 45 dinars (US$60) for this trip. This kitty can be placed in the hands of one of the group members to look after and the leader will advise where it is appropriate to tip. If preferred, however, the leader can manage this for the group. The kitty is there to ease the confusion and embarrassment of not knowing how much to tip.

Most clients also wish to tip their tour leader and as a guide we suggest 30 dinars (US$40) per person for this trip. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week in an envelope. The amount is at your discretion and our suggested amount is to be used as a guideline only.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

In Jordan we are very proud to work with a local partner who received the Travelife Partner award in July 2021. Travelife is a certification system dedicated to achieving sustainable practices in the global tourism industry. To receive the award, our Jordanian partner had to comply with more than 100 criteria related to Corporate Social Responsibility. The Travelife standard is formally recognised for full compliance with the UN Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • The use of a local guide means our customers are well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
  • The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this benefits the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
  • This trip stays one night in Wadi Rum desert at the Exodus Private camp, which is owned and managed by a local Bedouin family. This not only provides a source of income for the family but is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their traditions.
  • In Wadi Rum, we also do a jeep safari which provides another source of income for local people.
  • This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
  • By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • On this trip, we visit eight national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • In Petra, we do not recommend that guests ride horses or mules as we are not convinced their treatment is in line with industry-leading animal welfare guidelines.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • It is standard practice in Jordan to distribute leftover restaurant food to people in need.
  • Where possible on this trip paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • The Exodus Private camp in Wadi Rum uses solar power.

 Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.

Cultural respect

  • Some Jordanians especially women and the elderly object to being photographed so please ask first.
  • Jordanians are very proud of their country and can be offended if you take pictures of anything ‘negative’ or suggestive of poverty. Photography in military zones and strategic areas like public buildings is prohibited.
  • Handshaking is only between members of the same sex.
  • It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
  • It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home and you should tuck them under if sitting on the floor. It is respectful for women to cover their heads with a scarf when entering a mosque. Please note many mosques are not open for tourist visits.
  • Generally, clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
  • During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours. Even chewing gum is considered haram (forbidden). Although foreigners are not expected to follow these practices, it is respectful to be discrete and not eat, drink or smoke in general public.
  • Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in Jordan.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required both for the free visa (see below for eligibility details) and has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.

This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.