Rainbow over Wadi Rum

Prince Feisal and T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) made their headquarters in this sublime desert setting in World War I as they fought in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

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Jordan Explorer Private Journey route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $4195   see pricing
Length: 11 days
Arrive: Amman, Jordan
Depart: Amman, Jordan
Lodging: 10 nights in resorts and hotels (First Class and Deluxe Options available) describe
Meals: All meals included except 4 lunches and 1 dinner
Activity: Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Overland touring and cultural exploration with easy day walks of 2-4 hours a day
1 explain

Highlights

  • Fabled Petra, an amazing lost city hidden in a desert canyon for 2,000 years
  • Wadi Rum’s red-rock canyons, Roman cities, Crusader castles, luxury spa on the Dead Sea
  • Optional snorkeling in the Red Sea at Aqaba


The choice of hotels, itinerary, guide, and driver were superb.Lucille S.—Fort Meyers Beach, FL

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Jordan’s sites of antiquity are straight out of an archaeologist’s wildest dream, including fabled Petra, long-lost city of the Nabateans, Jerash, a fabulously preserved Roman city, and the great Crusader castle at Kerak. The ancient legacy of Jordan is rivaled only by the stunning beauty of the landscape, from the dramatic desert canyon of Wadi Rum, haunt of T.E. Lawrence, to the legendary Dead Sea. This Private Journey is a comfortable one, with 5-star hotels, private English-speaking guides, air-conditioned vehicles, and lots of wonderful interaction with the Jordanians, among the most hospitable people in the world.

 

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-4
Roman Ruins, Crusader Castle, and the Dead Sea

Visit the striking Roman ruins at Jerash, an archaeological masterpiece framed by the hills of Gilead, and the impressive Al Rabad Castle, built in defense against the Crusaders, then journey to a luxury spa on the Dead Sea to enjoy the therapeutic secrets of its legendary waters.

Days 5-6
Petra, Lost City of Stone

En route to Petra, explore the great Crusader fortress at Kerak. This monumental building soars above its surroundings and is filled with galleries and secret passageways. Its thick defensive walls are pierced by narrow arrow slits where Crusader archers held out. Continue to Petra, “a rose-red city half as old as time” and one of the great treasures of the ancient world. Petra’s stunning desert setting is unequaled and its elaborately carved temples, hewn into the cliffs by the mysterious Nabatean people 2,000 years ago, are spell-binding.

Day 7
Wadi Rum

This was Lawrence of Arabia’s headquarters during World War I, and he named his book, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, after Wadi Rum’s natural landmark of seven jagged rock columns. Explore the canyon by 4WD and enjoy dinner served under Bedouin tents before returning to Petra.

Days 8-11
Snorkeling in the Red Sea

In the tranquil haven of Aqaba, swim and snorkel along pristine coral reefs in the Red Sea. Return to Amman on Day 10, with an afternoon to explore its Roman theater, art galleries, and the bazaars of the Gold Market. Depart on Day 11.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is an overland touring trip with day walks to explore the fascinating temples and wonderful towns of this ancient and modern civilization. It can be enjoyed by anyone in good health who has no mobility restrictions.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

When to go

October to April

For our Private Journey trips, you choose your own group and your preferred dates—there are no set departure dates. Private Journeys are available to groups as few as two people or as large as you like. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

Tour Costs

Prices good through October 2010

First Class Option

$4195 per person, double occupancy (4-5 people)
$4395 per person, double occupancy (2-3 people)
Single Supplement: $1390

Deluxe Option

$4795 per person, double occupancy (4-5 people)
$5095 per person, double occupancy (2-3 people)
Single Supplement: $1690

Internal airfare: $140 (subject to change)
Holiday Surcharges: Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners may be compulsory for a supplemental fee. Please call us for details.

Includes all land transportation and private guides from Days 2-8


more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • First Class Option: 4 nights at 5-star Amman Grand Hyatt Hotel; 1 night at the 5-star Dead Sea Movenpick Resort (superior room); 3 nights at Petra Movenpick Resort; 2 nights at Aqaba Movenpick Resort
  • Deluxe Option: 4 nights at 5-star Amman Four Seasons Hotel; 1 night at the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Hotel; 3 nights at Petra Movenpick Resort; 2 nights at Movenpick Tala Bay Resort
  • All transfers and excursions in private air-conditioned car or van with English-speaking driver
  • English-speaking guide from the morning of Day 2 through the evening of Day 8
  • Mineral water on board the vehicle at all times and during tours
  • Meals as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
  • Turkish Bath
  • All entrance fees (two times entrance fees to Petra)
  • Short horseback ride at Petra during the first visit to the site
  • 4WD vehicle in Wadi Rum for 3 hours
  • Meeting and assistance at airport upon each arrival, and assistance at airport upon each departure
  • Porterage at airports and hotels

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

Jordanian visa fees; Aqaba/Amman one-way airfare; airport departure tax (currently $7.50); spa treatments at the Dead Sea resort, tips for guide and driver; small tips for horse boy at Petra, tips for Turkish Bath (suggested 10-15%), waiters, hotel staff, etc.; drinks during meals; meals not mentioned in above itinerary; all items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, room service, personal insurance, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $250
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

The Four Seasons Hotel (Deluxe Option)

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights),
Day 10 (1 night), Amman, Jordan

The stylish Four Seasons Hotel, with its hilltop location (and unparalleled views of the city), is an oasis of calm after a busy day exploring ...
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Grand Hyatt Hotel (First Class Option)

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights),
Day 10 (1 night), Amman, Jordan

The Grand Hyatt Hotel, located in the heart of Amman’s central business district, features spacious rooms and suites, three restaurants, ...
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Dead Sea Movenpick Resort (First Class Option)

Day 4 (1 night), Dead Sea, Jordan

Set among lush gardens on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, this resort is built of traditional local stone and handcrafted woods, and features ...
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Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea (Deluxe Option)

Day 4 (1 night), Dead Sea, Jordan

The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, a luxurious enclave on the shores of the Dead Sea, is set amidst lagoons, waterfalls, and private pools. Each ...
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Petra Movenpick Resort

Days 5 to 7 (3 nights), Petra, Jordan

The best thing about the Petra Movenpick Resort is its prime location: just steps from the entrance to one of the most magical sites in the world. ...
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Aqaba Movenpick Tala Bay

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Aqaba, Jordan

The stylish new Movenpick Tala Bay Resort is set on the shores of the Red Sea at Aqaba and offers beautiful rooms, excellent restaurants, and ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Client Comments

The choice of hotels, itinerary, guide, and driver were superb. Lucille S., Fort Meyers Beach, FL
The trip was the right mix of touring, sightseeing, and relaxation. We felt extremely well taken care of.