Jewels of JordanHiking the spectacular landscapes of an ancient kingdom, float in the Dead Sea, watch the starry night sky from a desert camp and discover the ancient city of Petra. _w=730_h=400_pjpg.jpg)
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Tour code: 29350 Last Modified: 22nd February 2021 _w=622_h=622_pjpg.jpg)
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Holiday HighlightsSee what's planned
Trip InformationJordan is a captivating country, full of history, tradition and spectacular landscapes. Picture a vast desert as far as the eye can see, under a sky as blue as the deepest ocean, a land where Bedouins roam. We’ll start our exploration in the capital city of Amman, with its colourful bazaars, bustling streets, ancient citadel and museums. Outside the city, we’ll travel north to visit the best-preserved Roman city in the Near East at Jerash with its spectacular temples and forum. We’ll take a dramatic walk from the hot springs at Ibn Hammad; explore the tranquil Dana Nature Reserve and walk to the spectacular Eco lodge at Feynan. The nature reserve encompasses some of Jordan's most breathtaking scenery, and became the kingdom's sixth wildlife reserve in 1990. Explore the majestic sand dunes of Wadi Rum, savouring the tranquillity and colour of the desert landscape and the starry night sky. Delve into the rose red city of Petra, set deep inside the narrow gorge with its walls rising two hundred metres from the desert floor. Petra is truly a special place, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years and was once the crossroads of the trade routes between east and west. Entering through the Siq, we'll see the magnificent Treasury carved in pink stone, the Roman Theatre, Corinthian and Palace Tombs. Observe the mighty crusader castles at Shobak and Kerak, and swim (or float!) in the Dead Sea. Visit Mount Nebo, we see where Moses viewed the Promised Land and our final stop is at Madaba, known as the 'City of Mosaics'. It is here where we discover the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land in the floor of the early Byzantine church of Saint George. This is a truly spectacular journey through an ancient land. What's included?
What's not included?
Holiday GradeThis is a Grade 5/SS/P holiday and features some full and half day walks with generally moderate amounts of ascent and descent. The paths are mostly good, but there will be some steep, uneven and rough ground as we explore archaeological sites and follow Bedouin paths. Some days will be dedicated solely to sightseeing or include an element of sightseeing, and our transfers between centres will include walks where possible. Generally we’ll walk between 2.5 hours- 5 hours a day, up to 12kms (8 miles) and an ascent/descent up to 400m. One of our days at Petra is top of the grade and ascends up to 750m, taking up to seven hours. While some walks appear shorter than others, it is the weather and terrain that determines the grade. Also designated a Pioneer holiday, this programme offers a more adventurous itinerary, off the beaten track, exploring lesser known corners. Local events may require amendments to the programme, sometime at short notice. Our bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel. Proposed ItineraryDay 1Proposed ItineraryDay 1AmmanMeals In FlightAccommodation Amman Cham PalaceFly from London Heathrow to Amman, arriving at approx. midnight. After clearing immigration, we transfer by road to our Amman hotel for 3 nights’ accommodation. Transfer Time = 45m Day 2Day 2AmmanMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Amman Cham PalaceStart the day at a relaxed pace with an itinerary briefing, followed by a tour of Amman including the Citadel, Roman Amphitheatre and downtown Amman. The sights and sounds of a Middle Eastern capital city are a feast for your senses! Day 3Day 3AmmanMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Amman Cham PalaceTravel by road to the Roman city of Jerash where we visit the Forum, the street of Columns and the Temple of Artemis. This well preserved city is considered one of the best in the world. We will also make a visit to Ajloun to see the castle and perhaps enjoy a local walk. We return to Amman for dinner. Day 4Day 4Wadi RumMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Milky Way Campsite
Leaving Amman today, we travel south to the desert landscape of Wadi Rum. En route, we'll take a walk starting at the hot springs of Ibn Hammad and enter a sandstone gorge of abundant vegetation and hanging gardens. You should expect to get your shoes wet as much of the walking is in a perennial stream, perhaps higher depending on recent rains. We overnight at Wadi Rum for one night in campsite accommodation. Distance: 3kms / 2+ hours / Ascent and Descent 50m. We change from the coach to jeeps for the journey across the sand dunes to our Bedouin camp for our night under the stars. The colours of the desert change as the sun sets and the stars come out. Dinner, which has been cooked underground, over hot charcoals, is eaten around the camp fire. An extraordinary experience! Day 5Day 5DanaMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Rummana Camp SiteWe'll explore the lunar landscape of Wadi Rum, walking through a canyon and climbing the sand dunes. Later we transfer to the Dana Nature Reserve, where we stay in campsite accommodation. Day 6Day 6FeynanMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Feynan Eco Lodge
We’ll take a hike from the Nature Reserve to Feynan and stay at the Feynan Eco Lodge for 1 night’s accommodation. The nature reserve encompasses some of Jordan’s most breathtaking scenery, and became the Kingdom’s sixth wildlife reserve in 1990, thereby protecting all animals — including endangered species such as the ibex. The first hour of the walk is the the steepest and walking poles maybe useful. 14kms (9 miles); ascent 100m, descent 1000m; 5 hours. Our accommodation at Feynan is a fine example of an eco experience using solar power, sourcing local ingredients for meals where possible and employing local villagers to work in the Lodge. Watching the sunset and evening star gazing are perfect ways to end the day. Day 7Day 7PetraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Petra Palace
We explore the area around Feynan lodge, which was a big copper mining and smelting area during the Roman era. We explore the remains as well as hike in the dramatic desert, Jordan Valleys and nearby wadi Ghweir. We walk for about 2-4 hours, depending on group fitness and ability. Up to 200 m ascent/ descent. We visit the crusader castle of Shobak before we continue to Petra, where we stay for four nights' accommodation. Our hotel is located in the town of Petra, Wadi Musa, which is next door to the ancient site allowing easy access. Day 8Day 8PetraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Petra PalaceA full day exploring the magnificent Red Rose city of Petra. Entering thorugh the Siq, we’ll see the magnificent Treasury carved in pink stone, the Roman Theatre, Corinthian and Palace Tombs. This afternoon we’ll walk via the dramatic slot canyon of Wadi Muthlim (the dark wadi) or, if the canyon is full of water, via the High Place of Sacrifice and Wadi Farasah with excellent views from the summit. Day 9Day 9PetraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Petra Palace
Starting at Little Petra today, we pass the site of a Neolithic village and loop around the mountain edge with views towards Wadi Araba, before arriving at Al Deir monastery – We descend approx. 800 steps back to the heart of the old city and visit the area of the Royal Tombs. t. Distance: 6kms / 2+ hours / Ascent 50m Descent 200m Day 10Day 10PetraMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Petra Palace
Today’s walk is at the very top of grade. Our walk takes us from Petra to Jebel Haroun (Aaron’s Mountain) and the round trip is approx. 23kms, will take approximately seven hours with an ascent of about 750m. At the top of Jebel Haroun, at 1350m the highest peak on the mountain surrounding the bowl of Petra, there is the very modest shrine commemorating the death of Aaron, Moses’ brother. We can enjoy the panoramic views before heading back to our hotel. Day 11Day 11MadebaMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Mosaic HotelWe leave Petra today and make our way northwards along the Desert Highway. We’ll make a stop at the crusader castle of Kerak en route to Madeba. Here we see the famous mosaics of the Holyland. We stay in Madeba for 2 nights’ accommodation. Day 12Day 12MadebaMeals Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation Mosaic HotelThis morning we take our vehicle and drive to the Herodium fortress of Machereus, where we can take a short walk and admire the views. Continue on to the Dead Sea, where we stop for a swim (or float!) , and then finish our day viewing the Holy Land from Mount Nebo. We return to Madeba and enjoy a farewell dinner in local restaurant. Note: Our visit to the Dead Sea Resort gives us approx 1.5 hours to enjoy our time there. There are lockers and towels for hire locally. Day 13Day 13Final dayMeals BreakfastTransfer to Amman Airport for check-in and our return flight to London Heathrow. Walks & ExcursionsAs the terrain in Jordan can be variable, be prepared for some rough, uneven sections on our walks. There will be days when our walking will be easier (sightseeing days) and some days when it will be at the top of the grade. Please note the information given in the itinerary regarding Day 10. There may be, on some days, a large element of sightseeing included in the walks which will mean stopping in various places before continuing with the programme. Local Transport CostsAll local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary. Optional ExcursionsA range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Spending MoneyHoliday BudgetingWhen budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day. Entrance FeesAll walks transport, entrances, site passes etc mentioned in the itinerary are included in the holiday cost. If you wish to take any optional excursions, such as a hammam (JOD 20pp), or Petra by Night (JOD 17pp) or visit any sites not mentioned in the itinerary, these will be at your own expense. The current ROE (as of Summer 2019) is GBP 1 = JOD 0.98
TippingAs you are probably already aware, tipping or “backsheesh” is a way of life in the Middle East. In order to take the hassle out of tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff & to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by Ramblers Walking Holidays plus a contribution from you, which your leader will collect during the holiday. We suggest an amount of £25-£30 per person for this. A small tip is usually required for the use of toilets and any drinks and meals you purchase yourself. Tour Leaders & Local GuidesTour LeadersYour tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible. Leader's Evening BriefingEach evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Local GuidesTo enhance your experience, as well as your tour leader, each holiday will be accompanied by a well qualified and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide. Your Travel DetailsWe fly from London Heathrow (LHR) to Amman (AMN) and return with Royal Jordanian. On arrival the transfer from the airport to our hotel in Amman takes approximately 45 minutes by road, depending on traffic conditions. Transfers between centres will be by road and on foot. Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details. Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance. If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel. Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details. Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you. Luggage Allowance & Travel DocumentsFor all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure. Personal Details CheckTo ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible. Passports and VisasGeneral Passport AdviceIt is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Passport Information for JordanYou will need a passport to visit Jordan, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return to the UK. A visa is also required and is included in your tour cost if you are travelling on the group flight. If you are travelling independently, you will need to arrange your own visa. Please note that we can only include you on the ‘group’ visa if you intend to arrive and depart with our party. If you intend to visit Jordan ahead of the party, remain in Jordan after the group has returned, or arrive/depart on a different flight, you will need to obtain your own visa at your own expense. If you hold a British passport, you can obtain an individual visa on arrival at Amman airport (approximate cost at time of writing is JOD40) or you can contact the Jordanian embassy to obtain your visa prior to travel. Their website is www.jordan.embassyhomepage.com All other passport holders should consult with the Jordanian Consulate The FCO website advises that evidence of a previous visit to Israel such as an Israeli entry/exit stamp in your passport does not normally cause any difficulties when entering Jordan. It is, however, for the Jordanian authorities to determine the right of entry into the country. If you have any concerns, you should contact the Consulate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London. AccommodationWhere are we going to stay?Amman Cham PalaceShmeisani Abdul Hameed Sharaf Street., 11194 Amman, Jordan 00 962 6 565 9270 The Amman Cham Palace is a 4 star hotel in Amman city that offers spacious rooms with air conditioning, hairdryer, mini-bar, safety deposit box and TV. The hotel also offers complimentary wifi. Milky Way CampsiteMilky Way Campsite Wadi Rum Jordan 00 962 777 543 901 The Milky Way Campsite offers a true back to nature experience in the Jordanian desert. The traditional Bedouin tents have raised bedding and there are simple, yet adequate shower and toilet facilities (separated between male and female). You will need to pack a towel and a torch for your stay here. Meals are prepared and served on site. Rummana Camp SiteRummana Camp Site Dana Nature Reserve Jordan 00 962 3 227 0497 Our tented accommodated at Dana is in the heart of the Nature Reserve. Facilities are simple but adequate. You will find washing and toilet facilities (split between male and female), a large Bedouin tent used as a gathering area and a main building that houses the kitchen and dining room. You will need a towel and torch for your stay here. Feynan Eco LodgeFeynan Eco Lodge Dana Nature Reserve Jordan 00 962 790 79 748 7900 The majority of our accommodation is in hotel stays where rooms are en-suite twin bedded and single rooms and have the usual facilities including telephones and TVs. One hotel that deserves a special mention is the Feynan Eco Lodge. Set in the heart of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the solar powered lodge offers the most developed eco experience in Jordan made possible, in part, by the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and a real chance to disconnect from the modern world. The hotel, while simple in style and facilities, offers warm Bedouin hospitality and where possible locally sourced excellent vegetarian food, with many traditional Jordanian specialities. Enjoy being close to the mountainous landscape whilst unwinding in the tranquil courtyards and terraces or resting in your candlelit en-suite room. There is a lot on offer at the lodge to learn about the local culture and environment, such as star gazing on the roof terrace. As it is an eco-lodge the rooms have no electricity points, but you can recharge at the lobby where free internet is also available. “Feynan, a shining star among the green lodges worldwide.” – Forbes magazine. Petra PalacePO Box 70 Wadi Musa Petra Jordan 00 962 7 76066170 Located a 5 minute walk from the entrance to the main Petra site, the Petra Palace Hotel is a wonderful base for exploring the ancient pink city of Petra. The hotel offers 2 outdoor swimming pools, restaurant, and bar. All rooms are en suite with hairdryer, mini-fridge, safety deposit box and TV Mosaic HotelMosaic Hotel Al Yamuk Madaba Jordan 00 962 5 325 15 6401 The Mosaic City Hotel is located in the very heart of Madaba, within short walking distance from the Church of St. George which houses the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. The hotel has 50 spacious rooms and all are equipped with modern amenities such as shower or bathtub, air conditioning and has a LCD screen TV with satellite TV channels,and mini bar. MealsAs Jordan is a Muslim country, alcohol is not always available to purchase at hotels and restaurants. In many cases though, hotels may allow you to purchase alcohol outside the hotel to consume on their premises, either in the restaurant area or in your rooms. Your leader will be able to offer guidance on this during the holiday. Please note that alcohol is expensive in Jordan, with local beers costing up to JOD5 per bottle and spirits up to JOD10 per drink. There is a local speciality spirit of Arak (an aniseed based drink), plus a very refreshing lemon and mint drink, which you may wish to try. Footwear & Kit ListFootwearLightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks. General Kit ListOutdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared. If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference. Extra Jordan InformationIn addition to the basic kit list noted above, you will benefit on bringing extra footwear for our Ibn Hammad walk. Depending on the rainfall, you may find yourself walking in an ankle deep (or possible higher) water. If you have walking sandals, trainers or quick drying sneakers, these will do well. Don't forget your torch and towel for stays at the camps, and women should bring a scarf that covers their head and shoulders to cover when visiting religious sites and as good protection from the sun. You will find the black and white check scarves, worn by the local population, sold almost everywhere in Amman and at Jerash and these will be perfect for protecting your head and shoulders. Jordan is a conservative society and foreigners are received more respectfully when they dress modestly. In general, and especially at religious sites, men should wear long trousers, with shoulders and upper arms covered, while ladies should wear trousers or below the knee skirts. Lightweight cotton clothes will be suitable. Long sleeves and loose clothing is also good protection against the sun. When staying in Petra, and while on walks in the wadis, the attitude to dress is more relaxed, and here shorts may be acceptable. Your leader will give you further advice. For overnight stays at the camps and at the Feynan Eco-lodge you will need to have an overnight bag, as you will not be able to take your suitcases with you. Your main luggage will be safely stored and you will have access to your main luggage each morning. The overnight bag is in addition to your day pack. Travel Documents ChecklistDocuments and Information to take with you:
Electricity in JordanElectricity is supplied at 220 Volts. There are a variety of wall socket and plug types in use so if you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins, a US two pin adapter with flat pins and a UK three pin adapter with flat pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ Water To GoAn alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles. We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays. Maps, Guidebooks & Other InformationMaps, Guidebooks & MoreBooks:
You may also find the website of the Jordan Tourism Board useful in your planning at www.jordan.com The Map ShopMaps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk WeatherVisit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Useful InformationFind out moreJordan
Visas and Passports Visa Required
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