I am delighted to be able to offer this trip to Jordan which will take place after Ramadan. All pictures are in order of visits but are only examples.
Leader Coral Guise-Smith
The proposed itinerary is as follows
DAY 1 · CITY OF ORIGIN – AMMAN
Flight departure from the city of origin to Amman, Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Amman.
DAY 2 · AMMAN – AJLOUN CASTLE – JERASH – AMMAN
Breakfast. Today you’ll be heading north. First stop will be at Ajloun Castle, also known as “Qal’at ar-Rabad” in Arabic. It’s located seventy-six kilometres from Amman on a hill in the midst of a Mediterranean landscape blanketed with pine and olive trees. The castle was built in 1185 by General Emir Izz al-Din Usama, nephew of Saladin, with the aim of protecting trading routes and the nearby iron mines. Entrance is via a wooden bridge over a dry moat. Its towers command fabulous views over the Jordan Valley and Palestine. On clear days, you can even see Jerusalem. Its fully restored interior is a labyrinth of corridors. Wandering through its empty rooms will whisk you back to a time when the castle was part of a chain of fortresses built to defend the area against the Crusaders, who never actually succeeded in conquering it. However, the Mongols did in the year 1260.
The next destination is Jerash, located less than an hour’s drive away. This town is one of the best examples of the Roman cities in the Middle East, forming part of the so-called “Decapolis”. It’s a must-visit and might take you an entire afternoon to see due to its sheer size and the number of buildings there. Don’t miss Hadrian’s Arch of Triumph, the Temple of Artemis (the city’s patron goddess), the Church of Saint Theodore or the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damianus. Another must is the Hippodrome, where there are recreations of chariot races. Also amazing is the South Theatre, which can seat three thousand spectators and boasts remarkable acoustics. Meanwhile, what was once the city’s main street, known as the Cardo Maximus, stretches for eight hundred metres.
It’s lined by five hundred columns and you can still see chariot tracks on the stones. Return journey and overnight stay in Amman.
DAY 3 · AMMAN – MADABA – MOUNT NEBO – PETRA
Breakfast. Madaba, some thirty-two kilometres south of Amman, is nicknamed the City of Mosaics because of the countless Byzantine mosaics housed by its churches and monuments. The most important one is the so-called “Mosaic of Madaba”, which is found on the floor of the Orthodox Church of Saint George. It dates from the sixth century and originally measured twenty-five metres with two and a half million tesserae. However, only part of it can be seen today. It’s essentially a detailed map of Palestine at the time. You can make out the most important biblical places such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Dead Sea, being widely used as a guide for the scholars and historians of the Holy Land. It’s well worth strolling through the streets of Madaba and popping into its myriad of souvenir shops. The city’s also famous for its carpets. And if you want to continue discovering authentic masterpieces of mosaic art, head to the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Archaeological Museum or the Church of the Apostles, where you’ll find the largest mosaic in the whole of Jordan, depicting the twelve apostles. The best views of Madaba can be seen from the bell tower of the Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist. Before hitting the road again, stop off at Haret Jdoudna, a complex of craft shops and restaurants where you can savour a wonderful ‘fatteh’ (fried bread with garlic-laced yoghurt and hummus). Just nine kilometres from Madaba is Mount Nebo, the place from where Moses viewed the Promised Land before he died, although the exact place where he was buried is unknown. From its summit, the views are breath-taking. On a clear day you’ll see the Dead Sea, Jericho, Bethlehem and even the Mount of Olives. It has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, which is why a basilica devoted to Moses was built there. What’s more, the Ark of the Covenant is said to be buried nearby. In the late afternoon you’ll arrive in Petra, today’s final destination. Although its fame and beauty have been boosted after being named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World in 2007, Petra had long been called the “Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World”. This is Jordan’s most precious treasure and its tourist attraction par excellence. For dinner tonight, we recommend trying some more of the country’s delicious cuisine. Order some ‘mazzeh’, as you’ll never get bored of tasting these wonderful starters. Jordan’s signature dish is “mansaf”, a Bedouin speciality based on lamb seasoned with aromatic herbs, cooked with dried yoghurt and served with rice, almonds and pine nuts. Of all the yummy desserts available, probably the most famous are ‘baklavas’, puff pastry delights filled with nuts and dipped in honey. Delicious! Overnight stay in Petra.
DAY 4 · PETRA
Breakfast. Three hours away from Amman is the ‘Lost City of Petra’, the capital of the ancient kingdom of the Nabataeans. Although you’ll have seen it in documentaries and films such as ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, actually visiting it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To enter this historical site, you have to walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge with walls two hundred metres high that will lead you through to the Treasury, so called because the Bedouins believed that an Egyptian pharaoh hid his treasure here. This building carved out of the rock, not built, isn’t the only one left behind by the nomadic peoples of the desert. During your visit you can also marvel at wonders such as the High Place of Sacrifice, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery, as well as Roman monuments such as the Theatre or the Colonnaded Street. You can take a camel or donkey tour if you prefer, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars within Petra if you need a break. Visiting Petra at night surrounded by candles is a truly magical experience. The town that has sprung up around Petra is called Wadi Musa, an ancient Bedouin village where there are many hotels and typical restaurants for all tastes and budgets, and where you can enjoy the typical food of the area.
Overnight stay in Petra.
DAY 5 · PETRA – WADI RUM – AQABA
Breakfast. We continue to south to Aqaba, but beforehand you can stop off at one of the most fascinating places in Jordan, the Wadi Rum desert, also known as the “Valley of the Moon” That said, you could quite easily compare it with Mars, thanks to its landscape of red sand dotted with large sandstone rock formations called ‘jebels’. This jaw-dropping area has been used as the backdrop for sci-fi films such as Matt Damon’s ‘The Martian’ or epics such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
Wadi Rum is a great place to meet Bedouins, who will surprise you with their hospitality. They might even ask you to share a tea with them. You will live an unforgettable moment! This valley undoubtedly owes its worldwide fame to the mythical Lawrence of Arabia, who has left his mark on places like the rock christened the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, in honour of his famous book with the same title. In Wadi Rum you can cross natural rock bridges and explore canyons and caves, home to petroglyphs engraved in
the stone. Remember to always keep your head covered, wear plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. And don’t miss the sunset in the desert, a mind-blowing experience! Continue to Aqaba.
Overnight stay in Aqaba.
DAY 6 · AQABA IS THE GATEWAY TO THE RED SEA
Breakfast. In contrast to Wadi Rum, this a place for unwinding and having fun, where you can shop ’til you drop and worship the sun on stunning beaches. You’re in the only city of Jordan with a sea port. Its castle was built by the Mamluk warrior[1]slaves in the sixteenth century and later renovated and extended by the Ottomans. Its beaches are lapped by Red Sea waters that stay warm all year round, making Aqaba a privileged place to laze on the beach and enjoy diving and other water sports. Dive down to marvel at the amazing underwater fauna found here! Another option to discover the beauty of the seabed is on a glass-bottom boat. (Note: Boat trip not included). From the port you can also sign up to boat trips around the Gulf of Aqaba and into the Red Sea. These trips, which last more than three hours and usually include lunch on the high seas, are perfect for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters populated by a kaleidoscope of fish and stunning coral reefs. Overnight stay in Aqaba.
DAY 7 · AQABA – DEAD SEA
Breakfast. Transfer from Aqaba to Dead Sea hotel. Overnight stay by the Dead Sea.
There’s no question that the Dead Sea is a bucket list destination for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable experience. Nestled between Israel and Jordan in the Middle East, the Dead Sea’s bright blue waters sit at the Earth’s lowest point, 431 meters below sea level. In Israel, the sea is known as Yam HaMelach which means “the Salt Sea,” because the Dead Sea is the world’s saltiest body of water. Anyone who has the opportunity to visit the Dead Sea is privy to an incredibly spiritual and unique experience: being supported by the water and floating effortlessly on its surface.
DAY 8 · DEAD SEA – AS-SALT – AMMAN
Breakfast. After the Dead Sea, it’s time to head back to Amman, stopping off in the town of As-Salt, thirty kilometres from the capital. For centuries, As-Salt was a major trading hub. Spread across three hills, its steep streets still boast remains of all the civilisations that have passed through. These include Romans, Byzantines, Mamluks and Egyptians, although the most important influences definitely come from the Ottomans, who settled here in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. During the time of Ottoman rule, it became an administrative centre and underwent its golden age. And it was the Ottomans who built the splendid yellow sandstone buildings that pepper the town. It’s a delight to stroll through its narrow streets and stepped passageways. Another great idea is to let yourself get lost in its maze-like souk and enter its bazaars. There’s lots to see in As-Salt. Don’t miss the Roman tombs on the outskirts; the Citadel; the Abu Jaber Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of As-Salt; and the Ayyubid fortress built by Sultan Al Mu’azzam Isa (Saladin’s nephew), which was ultimately destroyed by the Mongols. The Archaeological & Folklore Museum and the artisan training school are also well worth a visit. As-Salt is a warm and vibrant place that was once an important town on the route between the Jordan Valley and the Eastern Desert. At the end of the day, head back to Amman. Take a stroll around Downtown and pop into the spice shops of the souk. You can visit the Al-Husseini Mosque and the King Abdullah I Mosque, with its huge blue dome, or the NJordan National Gallery of Fine Arts to learn about contemporary Jordanian art. Overnight stay in Amman.
DAY 9 · AMMAN – CITY OF ORIGIN
Transfer to the airport. End of the trip and our services.
| Hotels: Subject to Availability at the time of Booking City | 4* Hotels | No. Of Nights / Meals Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Amman | Mena Tyche or similar | 03 Nights / HB |
| Petra | Petra Castle or similar | 02 Nights / HB |
| Wadi Rum | 5* Al Sultanah or Mazayen | 01 Night / HB |
| Aqaba | City Tower or similar | 02 Nights / HB |
| Dead Sea | Ramada Resort or similar | 01 Night / HB |
Our Offer Includes:
– Meet & Assist upon arrival & Departure.
– Transportation conducted by Deluxe A/C Coaches.
– English Speaking Licensed Escort Guide for the whole trip
– Hotel accommodation for 8 Nights on HB basis
– 1 bottle of water per pax daily in the coach – Entrance fees to all mentioned sites in above program.
– 2 hours (4×4) Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum
– Free policy as mentioned above in a shared double room
– Free collective VISA to Jordan.
– Departure Tax (Free via Airport)
Our Offer Excludes:
– Beverage during meals.
– Lunches
– Portages
– Tips for Guide, Driver, portages, horsemen. etc.
– Extra trips taken at the Dead Sea (Boat and snorkelling)
– Any unmentioned items or extra services not mentioned in “Includes” list.
– Flights (see below)
Flight Departure: Madrid 13/04 15:15h – arrival Amman 21:15h
Flight Return : 21/04 departure Amman 10:45h – Arrival Madrid 14:45h
The trip price per person sharing twin, double or triple room will depend on the number of people who book.
| Group Size | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 |
| Cost p.p. | 1035€ | 878€ | 907€ | 878€ | 855€ | 828€ | 815€ |
Single Room Supplement 420€
| Price p.p. | Note | |
| Services as above in Jordan | 815-1035€ | As above, depending on number in group. |
| Flights with Air Jordan | 755.5€ | includes €378.73 taxes to be confirmed. |
| Coach to Madrid | 55€ |
The prices will be confirmed when a deposit is requested.
Flight booking will be possible from May when the airlines release their schedules. In addition to Jordan airlines, Vueling, RyanAir and WizzAir are expected to be flying to Amman. For 2023 Jordan airlines price is approximately €800 p.p. As soon as all the flight details are available, these will be sent to everyone who has provisionally booked and posted on the website Travel page.
To participate in this trip, please make a provisional booking now by email to Coral Guise-Smith on travel-events@u3amoraira-teulada.org. A deposit will need to be paid when the flight details have been finalised.
coral.guise-smith@u3amoraira-teulada.org
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