Meals

6 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 1 Dinner

Accommodation

Accommodation in 3-star hotels (upgrades available) 1 night in a comfortable Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

Hygieneprotocol

This tour will be operated in line with our ’Safer Encounters’ scheme which covers a wide range of additional hygiene precautions as well as social distancing rules and other measures to help prevent the transmission of Covid-19.

Others

Guided visits to the following sites and attractions are included. Please note - entrance fees into the sites are not included and you should purchase a Jordan Pass to cover these. Amman Bethany Baptism Site As-Salt Harmony Trail Jerash Roman ruins Madaba mosaics Mt Nebo views Scenic King’s Highway Kerak crusader castle Full day in Petra Wadi Rum jeep safari & Bedouin camp 4x4 jeep safari in Wadi Rum Entrance to Dead Sea beach with towel & showers Meals as indicated in the itinerary (all breakfasts, one lunch & one dinner)

Guide

As one of our Small-Group tours, maximum group sizes are restricted to 18 people, while the tour is guaranteed to depart with a minimum of just 2. A professional licensed guide accompanies all groups of 5 or more throughout the whole tour. For groups of 2-4, one of our experienced English speaking drivers will escort the group with specialist local site guides used for the tours in As-Salt, Bethany, Jerash, Amman (Citadel), and Petra. Travellers on our Jordan Express tour will join this trip on Day 2. At Encounters Travel we aim to only use local Jordanian guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing as well as supporting the local population and economy.

Transport

All transport and transfers in AC minibus/coach 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service 4x4 jeep safari in Wadi Rum Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you’re really experiencing the country you’re travelling through, but at the same time we want you to finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. The small distances involved in Jordan mean that we use private vehicles throughout this tour. These will be minivans, minibuses or coaches, depending on the number of travellers in the group. The jeeps used in Wadi Rum are provided by the local Bedouins we work with, and while suitable for your desert safari, they may fall below the normal safety and quality standards for vehicles we use during the rest of our tours.

Not included:

Optional

Desert Castles and Nature Reserves tour - After breakfast we leave Amman and head east to visit several of Jordan’s Desert Castles - a fantastic reminder of its early Islamic art and architecture. These ’castles’ were located on the old trade routes created during the Umayyad era and are more a combination of forts, bath houses and palaces than true castles. You can still see some mosaics, frescoes, carvings and illustrations on show, moulded by Persian and Graeco-Roman traditions, giving an insight into life during the 8th century. We’ll explore the desert castles of Qasr al-Kharrana, Qal’at al-Azraq and Qseirr Amra and also visit two important nature reserves run by the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The Aqraq Wetland Reserve is a uniquely precious oasis located in the heart of Jordan’s eastern desert, between a limestone desert in the west and a basalt desert in the east. The reserve features lush marshland, and glittering pools and streams that are a haven for migratory birds on the African-Eurasian flyway. The Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was initially created as a breeding and reintroduction centre for globally threatened and locally extinct wildlife, particularly the Arabian Oryx. These efforts continue and now a wide variety of rare animals make their home in the reserve, including Ostriches Struthio camelus, Goitered Gazelles, and Persian Onagers. Also found in the area are red foxes, wolves, striped hyenas, Caracals and wild cats, while bird sightings can include Imperial Eagles, Pallid Harriers and Egyptian vultures. There is a good visitor centre on site and guided safaris may be available into the reserve before we return to Amman depending on the time we have available and the reserve’s current arrangements. For your last evening, why not head into Downtown Amman for a final taste of Jordanian food, perhaps giving Jordan’s national dish of Mansaf a go, or the classic falafel and hummus, with a taste of Knafeh, a popular sweet desert to finish. Superior hotel upgrade (Best of Jordan) - This option upgrades all your hotels on the tour from the local 3-star level up to 5-star. Your tent in Wadi Rum is upgraded to a private, deluxe en-suite tent (Pasha tents at Captains Desert Camp or similar if we are using a different camp on your departure). The specific hotels used may vary on different dates but include the Le Grand and Landmark hotels in Amman, and the Old Village or Hyatt Zaman in Petra. Single room supplement - This tour is based on twin-share accommodation, with single bookers paired up with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If the final group make-up means that no room share is available, you do not need to pay this supplement. However, if you would like to guarantee yourself a single room throughout the tour, then please add this option to your booking.

Flights

International flights are not included but may be available on request

Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory but not included

Others

Visa fees (free visa included as part of your Jordan Pass) Entrance fees (included with your Jordan Pass, obtained in advance for JD70, approx. USD99) Meals not indicated in the itinerary Hotel gala dinner supplements if applicable (24 & 31 Dec) Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry) Tips Single Room Supplement (applicable when a same sex room share cannot be arranged - contact us for details) Any other items not mentioned above

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Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Jordan! Hotel Transfers Included
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Jordan! Hotel Transfers Included

Welcome to Jordan, hotel transfers included Upon arrival in the airport, our company will welcome you to Jordan and drive you to your hotel. The accommodation is situated in the centre of the capital city of Amman and is ideal for walking around the area and nearby sights. If you want to relax you can do so in the hotel or venture to the shops and cafés. If you need help settling in or have any questions, our staff will be on hand. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel. | MEALS: NULL. | EXTRAS: Extra day in Amman - pre tour, Superior hotel upgrade, Single room supplement (required if no room share available)
Day 2 Day 2: Exploring The Harmony Trail & The Baptism Site At Bethany
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Exploring The Harmony Trail & The Baptism Site At Bethany

The Harmony Trail at As-Salt and the Baptism Site at Bethany This tour sets off to the hilltop town of As-Salt in the morning, which is a 40-mintue drive from the city of Amman. As-Salt was a trading link between the Jordan Valley and the Eastern Desert as well as the former capital of Amman. Your guide will show you around the snaking narrow streets and point out the elaborate Islamic architecture made from yellow limestone. Today, this town is an example of the religious and cultural friendship between the local Muslim and Christian population. You will stroll along the self-designed ’Harmony Trail’ and learn more about the history of the town and its people. Lunch will be served with a local family and you will get to sample some traditional delicacies. After lunch, you can meander out of the hills to the Baptism Site at Bethany. This site was recently excavated and is believed to be the biblical ’Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan’ - the place where John baptised Jesus Christ. You will also see an assortment of churches, caves and pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Your guide will describe to you how both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI visited this area. An electric minibus will drive you from the visitors centre to the three sites of Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools and John the Baptist’s Church. The tour will conclude back at your hotel in Amman where you can rest in the evening. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch. | EXTRAS: NULL
Day 3 Day 3: Amman & Jerash
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Amman & Jerash

The tour will depart from Amman and first visit Jerash, one of the world’s most well preserved Roman architecture sites outside of Italy. For centuries, this site was buried under layers of sand and was only discovered 70 years ago. Jerash is a significant model of Roman urbanism with its public squares, plazas, colonnaded streets, hilltop temples and theatres. The afternoon will then be spent back in Amman seeing more of the city and understanding its history. Your expert guide will describe in detail how many archaeological discoveries have uncovered remains from the Neolithic period as well as the Hellenistic and late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. The walking tour will begin at the Citadel, home to the ancient Hercules Temple, the Byzantine Church, the Umayyad Palace and a 6000-seater Roman theatre, built during the Roman Period. This theatre is still used as a space to display cultural events. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast. | EXTRAS: Amman evening food tasting tour
Day 4 Day 4: Travel To Petra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Travel To Petra

Driving along the King’s Highway to Petra In the morning, you will vacate your hotel in Amman and drive along the King’s Highway to Petra. This lengthy route will allow you to soak up the enchanting scenery, the deep wadis, farmlands, olive groves and rural villages. Before you arrive in Petra, the tour will stop at Madaba and you can check out the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George - famous for its 6th century-old Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land and other biblical sites. Your guide will lead you to Mount Nebo, the known burial place of Moses with some magnificent views of the Holy Land. The tour will then drive south over more gaping wadis and canyons to reach the Kerak Castle - one of many Crusader fortresses sprinkled across Jordan in the 12th century. The Crusaders called the castle ’Crac des Moabites’ or ’Karak’ in Moab. This castle is a perfect point for viewing the hills and plains. After you have arrived in Petra, you can relax for the rest of the evening. You also have the option to see the city with the Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury. | OVERNIGHT: Petra hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast. | EXTRAS: Petra by Candlelight (arranged locally)
Day 5 Day 5: Exploring Petra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Exploring Petra

This day is all about adventuring around the famous Nabatean site of Petra. This site was the capital of the ancient Nabatean commercial empire until the Romans seized power in 106AD. Sitting on the edge of Wadi Aruba, the Siq is the best way to get into the site. It is a twisting tunnel that cuts through the canyon walls and hills. In Petra, you will soon see that there are not many freestanding buildings as the Nabateans liked to construct their homes into the pink sandstone cliffs. Your guide will take you into the city and you can also enjoy some free time to wander around by yourself. The Siq is the starting point for the guided tour and continues to Khazneh, one of the most impressive temples in Petra. As you walk, your guide will describe how the houses were carved and the spiritual importance of the site. The tour will also include the ancient ruined Roman amphitheater and the colonnaded street. In your free time you should head up the gorge to the Monastery - the largest of Petra’s carved monuments. This uphill walk can take some time, but the vista over the Wadi Aruba and the Jordan Valley is worth it. If you have the energy, keep going until you reach the High Place of Sacrifice and the Lion Fountain. | OVERNIGHT: Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner. | EXTRAS: NULL
Day 6 Day 6: Wadi Rum Jeep Safari & Visiting The Dead Sea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Wadi Rum Jeep Safari & Visiting The Dead Sea

The tour will drive into the desert landscape of Wadi Rum. You should keep an eye out for the copper-coloured rocky ’jebels’ that inspired the writer TE Lawrence during the Arab Revolt and appeared in the movie Lawrence of Arabia. Traversing by jeep safari, the tour will go past sharp cliffs and striking rock formations. The tour will turn north and go towards the Dead Sea - one of the world’s most remarkable destinations. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth at 400 metres below sea level and is a most stunning sight. A variety of rivers including the River Jordan flow into this sea. As these rivers are landlocked, they then evaporate and create a combination of salt and minerals, which make high quality products for industries. There is a range of mountains surrounding the Dead Sea and the hills of Jerusalem lie to the west. This region is now sparsely populated, but was believed to have been home to the five biblical cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela). You will also get a chance to bath in these salubrious and salty waters. As a result of the large amount of salt, normal swimming is not possible so it is better to float or sit in the water. You should avoid getting any salt water in your eyes, as it will sting. The day will conclude back at your hotel in Amman. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast. | EXTRAS: NULL
Day 7 Day 7: Free Time In Amman, Airport Transfer Included
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Free Time In Amman, Airport Transfer Included

You are free to do any last minute shopping or visit some more sights on your last day in Amman. A transfer will collect you and drive you to the airport for your departing flight back home. You can also choose to go on an optional day trip with choices like an excursion to Aljoun Castle, the Desert Castles and the Baptism Site at Bethany or a tour into Israel to see Bethlehem or Jerusalem. It is possible to extend your tour and transfer to Tel Aviv by flight or overland to connect with the Biblical Israel tour, starting on Sunday. You can also extend your stay at a resort by the Red Sea or Aqaba. | OVERNIGHT: N/A. | MEALS: Breakfast. | EXTRAS: Pella and Umm Qais, Extra day in Amman - post-tour, Aqaba extension

7 days tour

Best Of Jordan

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Best Of Jordan

Day 1: Welcome To Jordan! Hotel Transfers Included

Day 2: Exploring The Harmony Trail & The Baptism Site At Bethany

Day 3: Amman & Jerash

Day 4: Travel To Petra

Day 5: Exploring Petra

Day 6: Wadi Rum Jeep Safari & Visiting The Dead Sea

Day 7: Free Time In Amman, Airport Transfer Included

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