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Discover Jordan with your family - CANCELLED
Discover historical Petra and Jerash
Float in the Dead Sea and snorkel in the Red Sea
4x4 safari, camel ride and Wadi Rum desert camp
Family Jordan tour
In association with Intrepid Travel
Call now and book 08444174767 Quote ref: HEARST JORDAN
Call now and book 08444174767
Quote ref: HEARST JORDAN
Explore the ancient and the new on a family exploration holiday to Jordan
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Steeped in ancient history and home to some of the Middle East's most famous attractions, Jordan is the ideal place for a family adventure. This unforgettable eight-day tour highlights Jordan's most exciting corners, from the historical monuments of Jerash to magnificent Petra, and the Wadi Rum desert to the blissful Red Sea coast. With a balance of activities and down time, your family will love this cultural odyssey. Flying into Amman, you'll begin your trip in one of the oldest continually habited cities in the world with history all around you. From there, you will see ancient architecture, spend a night in a Bedouin camp in the desert and explore the incredible Dead Sea.
Family camp out in the desert
You'll spend a night in the Wadi Rum desert, alongside the Bedouin people who will host you in your camp. You'll also explore the moonscape-like area, enjoy a four-wheel-drive desert safari and take a camel ride.
Explore Jerash's history
Marvel at Greco-Roman ruins in Jerash, one of the best examples of a Roman city in the Middle East, including striking archways, public buildings and colonnaded streets. The city achieved such prosperity that emperor Hadrian visited around 129 AD and you can see the arch that was built in his honour.
The Red and Dead seas
The waters of the Red Sea offer some of the best coral reef snorkelling outside Australia's Great Barrier Reef, making them a great place to visit for a spectacular underwater view. For an altogether different experience, you'll visit the Dead Sea, the lowest elevation on land, to float in the super-salty inland lake.
To read more about this trip:
Download the brochure here
Reasons to book
Camp under the stars
Spend a night in the Wadi Rum with the Bedouin people, who'll host you in your camp under the stars.
Desert activities
Explore the moonscape-like Wadi Rum desert on a four-wheel-drive desert safari and a camel ride.
Explore historical Jerash
Marvel at Greco-Roman ruins in Jerash, one of the best examples of a Roman city in the Middle East.
Snorkel in the Red Sea
The waters of the Red Sea offer some of the best coral reef snorkelling outside Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Chill by the Dead Sea
You'll have a chance to visit the Dead Sea, at the lowest elevation on land, and float in this super-salty inland lake.
Petra visit
Follow in the footsteps of the adventurous Indiana Jones to discover the archaeological city of Petra.
Download a PDF tour brochure
Cruise through the desert on a 4x4 safari and by camel
Explore the ancient Roman city of Jerash and Kerak Castle
Camp in the middle of the desert in Wadi Rum under a blanket of stars
Take a dip in the Dead Sea
Go snorkelling in the Red Sea
Follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones to discover Petra
Departures: April 5, April 12, May 24, June 7, July 5, July 19, August 7, September 27 and October 11, 2020 and March 27, March 28, April 3, April 4, May 22, June 27, July 4, July 11, 2021.
Call now to book 08444174767
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Amman/Jerash
Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. If you have booked a transfer you'll be met at Queen Alia International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Otherwise, make your own way to the joining hotel, located in the heart of Amman, on the edge of the old downtown and within walking distance to the new city centre.
Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation uncovering homes and towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age (circa 7,000 BC). Today is the joining day and free for you to settle in. If you have time, head to major historical and biblical sites just 10 minutes walk away - the 6,000-seat Roman theatre built in the 2nd century, or the Citadel, which offers up panoramic views over the city from the highest hill in town. Within the Citadel is the museum that contains the Dead Sea Scrolls, and also the excavated ruins of an Umayyad palace. Maybe head to Rainbow Street for your first falafel tonight.
We will have a group meeting at 5pm where you will meet your leader and fellow group members. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. It's important that you attend, as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you're going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know.
Accommodation - Toledo Hotel or similar
Jerash, Jordan
This morning we take a delightful walk through the Ajloun Forest Reserve along the "Soap House Trail". We will hike through thick healthy woodland filled with oak, pistachio and oriental strawberry trees down to the Soap house, where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive soap. We then continue onto Jerash.
The ruins of Jerash were re-discovered in 1806 and continue to be one of Jordan's most amazing sites. One of the best examples of a Roman city in the Middle East, the ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2,000 years ago.
With a history stretching back at least 2,300 years, Jerash is one of the best preserved examples of a provincial Roman town anywhere in the world. Its hey day came with the arrival of Alexander the Great and the remains include a forum, nymphaeum, hippodrome, two theatres (complete with numbered seats!) and several temples. Along the Colonnaded Street, grooves in the paving stones show where chariot wheels once rolled and remnants of exquisite mosaics still cover some floors.
There is time to wander the site and imagine life in ancient times before returning to Amman with time to relax, or the opportunity to visit some of the city's sights, such as the Citadel.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Madaba – Dana Village - Petra
Madaba, Jordan
This morning we start our journey towards Petra, taking the Desert Highway south. En route we stop at Madaba.
The historical town of Madaba is famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Other mosaic masterpieces found within the Church of the Virgin and the Apostles and in the Archaeological Museum depict a rampant profusion of flowers and plants, birds and fish, animals and exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology and everyday pursuits such as hunting, fishing and farming. If these interest you, you'll be delighted to know that literally hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to 7th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba's churches and homes.
Just beyond Madaba is another biblical site, Mt Nebo, which overlooks the Jordan Valley. The bible tells us this is the final resting place of Moses; from here he looked out onto the Promised Land. Along the way today you may see the black 'beit ash shar' tents of the hardy Bedouin who still wander throughout the Middle East as they have for centuries. Moving between the few grazing spots which dot the parched landscape, they survive by breeding goats, sheep and camels. Although the traditional nomadic way of life is starting to disappear as some Bedouin succumb to the lure of fixed accommodation, many adhere stolidly to the old way - albeit with the occasional addition of a 4WD vehicle for transport!
Living in such a hostile environment has taught them the importance of a friendly welcome and the ancient code of hospitality to travellers still survives today. We will then take an easy walk around Dana village, a traditional village on a nature reserve allowing us to meet locals and learn about their history and culture as we walk through the terraced gardens ad local craft workshops. The views here are stunning. Then head on to Petra to spend the night.
Accommodation - Amra Palace Hotel or similar
Make your way to Petra, squeezing through the long stretch of stonewall that eventually spills out into the breath-taking 'rose city' - one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Though the origins are mysterious, it's thought this rock carved city was the ancient capital of the Nabatean people back in 600BC. Nobody in the West knew about it until 1812, when a Swiss explorer dressed up like a local, snuck in and then told the world.
Your first glimpse of the iconic, intricate Treasury will be truly memorable, and you'll find that the site is surprisingly big. You can explore the old Roman road, temples and several old tombs, as well as the rock-hewn amphitheatre. If you have the legs, walk one-hour up to the Monastery and up the clifftop path overlooking the Treasury. When you've finished exploring, head back to the hotel to rest up and prepare for a unique cooking experience. At the nearby fully equipped, modern Al Qantara Kitchen, you'll taste Jordanian food, cook with a Jordanian chef, and have fun learning all about Arabic culture and cuisine. In a 2-hour class, prepare appetisers like baba ghanoush and hummus, then typical Jordanian mains like Maglouba, Kabsah or Mjadra, learning the secrets of these amazing Arabic tastes. Then enjoy it all with a big meal together, taking a copy of the recipes to impress everyone back home.
Notes: A lot of walking is required to see Petra. A basic level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment. When entering Petra as a group, a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point down to the Siq. Intrepid doesn't recommend that passengers take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved.
Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan
This morning before we leave we will visit Little Petra, have tea with a local Bedouin family. We will then drive to Wadi Rum, which offers some of the most extraordinary desert scenery anywhere and recently starred in the film The Martian.
Wadi Rum is full of weird and beautiful lunar-like rock formations. Traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks.
We will enjoy a 4WD desert discovery, stopping to enter a narrow siq where many inscriptions can be seen. Passing Thamud nomads from Saudi Arabia and the Nabataean people have all left their mark on the surrounding rocks. Nature provides a number of rock bridges that offer some stunning views. There is also the option to explore by camel.
Sleep in a simple desert camp where you'll have the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. A mattress and blankets are provided. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months. A dinner cooked in a local earthen oven is included. Western-style toilet facilities are available. Conditions are basic at our desert camp, but the company of our Bedouin hosts is warm and you'll treasure the memory of sleeping beneath the twinkling desert night sky.
Accommodation - Desert camp
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
'Aqaba, Jordan
Today you'll drive from the desert to the coast (approximately 1 hour), for some fun, sun and relaxation. Aqaba is landlocked Jordan's only town on the sea, and this Red Sea beach resort is yours to explore for the rest of the day.
Just south of town, the warm and relatively shallow waters of the Red Sea support a series of stunning untouched coral reefs practically unsurpassed outside Australia's Great Barrier Reef. They make for some of the best snorkelling you can find - the kids can grab a mask and some flippers and do their best mermaid impression. You might also take a boat trip if you don't want to get wet, take a long walk along the shoreline, or simply kick back by the pool. If you want to get historical then there's the 14th century Ottoman Fort to check out. This is where the T.E Lawrence (of 'of Arabia' fame) rode to Cairo with big news about a revolt. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to help you enjoy the local cuisine.
Accommodation - City Tower Hotel or similar
Leaving Aqaba, travel along the King's Highway, a winding road that follows the contours of the rocky hills, occasionally passing nomadic shepherds as they tend their flocks in the few areas where there's water. Descend lower and lower until you eventually arrive on the shores of the Dead Sea (approximately 3 hours). This isn't actually a sea but a super-salty lake (seven times saltier than the ocean and 'dead' because of the lack of life in it), which lies at the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level).
The density of the water means that when you take a dip, it's more of a float than a swim, making for great photos. Maybe grab a handful of the shoreline's mud and slop it over your body on the way back in - it's full of nutrient-rich natural minerals that are meant to have healing properties, and will leave your skin feeling great. You'll stop at a private beach with pools and a gentle slope to the water. Towels are available for hire. Don't forget to pack your swimwear for today! This evening you can meet up with the rest of the group for a final meal together, and reflect on your adventures in this fascinating country.
Accommodation - Ramada Resort Dead Sea or similar
Meals - Breakfast
After breakfast, this amazing adventure through Jordan comes to an end at your resort in the Dead Sea. Amman's Queen Alia International Airport is approximately one hour's drive from the Dead Sea.
This tour is operated solely by Intrepid Travel
Travel the local way, in small groups but on big adventures
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company that has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. The company offers more than 1,500 trips in more than 120 countries and on every continent. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. A world leader in responsible travel, Intrepid's award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and included activities mean they offer travellers great value for money.
To view Intrepid Travel 's supplier's terms and conditions click here.
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