Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 01:54

Jordan

Kingdoms of Jordan - Premium Adventure Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Jordan
  • Programmes: Culture, Premium Adventures
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 9 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AXM
  • Carbon Footprint: 56kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover Petra, Wadi Rum, the Red Sea and Dead Sea in comfort

Join one of our expert named leaders on a wonder-filled journey through Jordan. You’ll spend two days exploring the temples and tombs of Petra, before taking in the Mars-like landscape of the Wadi Rum desert. In the latter, you’ll stay in a desert camp in luxurious Bedouin inspired cabins, witness fiery sunsets and experience star-filled skies around the campfire. We’ll also spend time in the classical age, exploring the excellently preserved Roman city of Jerash, before soaking up immense views across the Red Sea and floating in the salt waters of the Dead Sea.

At a Glance

  • Eight nights in premium accommodation, including one night in a luxury camp in Wadi Rum
  • Travel by private air-conditioned bus and 4WD in Wadi Rum
  • Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader

Highlights

  • Spend an unforgettable two days exploring the Nabataean Kingdom of Petra
  • Experience the vibrant city of Amman, capital of the modern Kingdom of Jordan, and visit ancient sites such as the Citadel and Roman Theatre
  • Explore the well-preserved ruins of Roman Jerash, with our expert leader teaching you about the fascinating history
  • Gaze at a star-filled sky and enjoy traditional music around the campfire at Wadi Rum
  • Experience the natural phenomenon of the Dead Sea as you float in its salt waters

Is This Trip for You?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Although this is a cultural trip, some days, such as those in Petra, are long and you should be ready to expend some energy. To do the optional 850 steps up to the monastery or the climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader can provide you with further advice about these hikes. It is not advisable to do the High Place of Sacrifice if you suffer from vertigo as there are some very steep narrow steps and cliffs. The leader always accompanies anyone doing this option. If you don’t do the optional hikes, there is still plenty to see by wandering through the ancient city.

In very rare instances where local conditions require, we may need to amend the order of the itinerary, but we will ensure that elements of the itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Group

The group will generally be between four and 16 people. All departures will have a named tour leader, chosen for their expertise. They are fully qualified English-speaking Jordanian guides.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

AXM Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Amman
  • End City: Dead Sea

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Amman
Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Depending on what time you arrive, you might want to make use of the pool or perhaps book yourself in for a post-flight refresher at the spa. Your expert leader will leave instructions for you at the hotel.

Total drive time: 45 minutes to one hour

Premium accommodation: InterContinental Amman

Day 2
Visit Jerash then Amman city tour

This morning we drive north to the ruined city of Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times, which is awash with imposing colonnades, ancient temples and theatres. This was one of the 10 wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for its affluent lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets which remarkably have the drains still intact, two theatres and the impressive Temple of Zeus.

After a good look around, we head back to Amman for an exciting city tour, where we’ll visit notable ancient sites such as the Citadel, Roman Theatre and the old city. Take in the striking views of the capital of the Kingdom of Jordan from the heady heights of the Citadel complex.

This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and sample traditional Jordanian food.

Total drive time: three hours (with stops along the way)

Premium accommodation: InterContinental Amman

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3
Drive down King's Highway to Petra via Mount Nebo, Madaba and Kerak

Today we head along the King’s Highway, an old trade route that connects Amman and Petra, weaving up and down huge wadis (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route, including the ancient town of Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics; the biblical Mount Nebo, where Moses was believed to have witnessed the Promised Land; and the crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a rocky outcrop.

Further south we reach the Unesco World Heritage site of Petra, the premier historical site in Jordan and one of the most outstanding ancient cities in the world. Also known as the rose-red city, Petra is a phenomenal sandstone complex of ornate palaces, temples and tombs carved into the cliffs. Your expert leader will reveal all about the history of this New Wonder of the World.

Total drive time: Approximately six hours (with stops along the way)

Premium accommodation: Grand Mercure Petra or Old Village Resort

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4 - 5
Two days exploring the Nabataean kingdom of Petra

Enjoy two days exploring the striking Nabataean Kingdom of Petra, which was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock – beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which sparkle in sunlight.

To enter Petra, your expert leader will take you down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq, which is surrounded by high cliffs on either side. You’ll explore Al Khazneh, an elaborate temple known as The Treasury, which was once inhabited by the Arabs of the Nabataean Kingdom. Continuing to the city centre, we pass houses and visit the tombs of the rich citizens. Witness the vastness and sheer beauty of this ancient city from various vantage points. There is also an optional walk up 850 steps to El Deir, a monumental monastery carved out of rock.

On the second day, you’ll return to Petra, either for an optional hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice (accompanied by a local Bedouin guide), a clifftop sacrificial altar with immense views over Petra, or for free time to explore the city further. Only a few people attempt a visit to the High Place as it can be quite arduous. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day.

Total drive time: 30 minutes per day (round trip to the visitor center)

Premium accommodation: Grand Mercure Petra or Old Village Resort

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6
Explore Wadi Rum from the comfort of our luxurious desert camp

This morning there is the option to take a guided tour through the intriguing archaeological site of Little Petra or you can relax at our premium accommodation before we drive south.

We enter the natural and cultural World Heritage site of Wadi Rum, where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. This is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the first world war and where sections of the epic film, Lawrence of Arabia (1962), were shot.

After checking into our luxury camp, we join a thrilling, four-hour 4WD trip to the highlights of this protected area. Experience an authentic zarb dinner (cooked underground) at our Bedouin camp and relax beneath the stars around the camp fire.

Total drive time: 1hr 30min to two hours

Premium accommodation: Saraya luxury camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
Drive to Aqaba; relax by the Red Sea

Leaving the Mars-like landscape of Wadi Rum, we head to Aqaba on the Red Sea. The city is well-known for having beautiful coral reefs. Our hotel has a private white-sand beach with direct access to the Red Sea where you can dip your toes in the water and absorb the coastal views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of this five-star hotel. We can meet for a sundowner overlooking the sea before heading out for dinner. Enjoy a taste of traditional Jordanian cuisine and sample fresh, local seafood, which is a speciality in the area.

Total drive time: One hour to 1hr 30min

Premium accommodation: Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Drive from Aqaba to the Dead Sea

Leaving Aqaba, we head to the Dead Sea, one of the most fascinating places on Earth. Enjoy free time to float in the saline waters and smother yourself in Dead Sea mud, before cooling off in one of the two infinity pools at our premium accommodation. A totally relaxing way to end your Jordan adventure. This evening there will be a memorable group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your farewells.

Total drive time: four to five hours

Premium accommodation: Hilton Dead Sea Hotel & Spa

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9
End Dead Sea

The tour comes to an end after one last breakfast. Hop in the arranged group transfer to the airport to make your return journey home. Or, if you’re craving more salty sea days, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay by the Dead Sea.

Total drive time: one hour

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Premium hotels and a luxury Bedouin camp

Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure

Accommodation on this cultural adventure in Jordan comprises premium hotels and a luxury Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. We typically stay in standard-level rooms and, when we’re not out exploring the wonders of Jordan, enjoy plenty of five-star amenities. Below are the hotels we normally use on this trip.

Amman: InterContinental Amman (nights 1-2)

Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure

Ease into the trip with two nights at this five-star hotel, which overlooks the white city of Amman. Enjoy a cocktail by the outdoor pool or book yourself into the spa, which has an indoor pool, hot tub and steam rooms. Foodies should love their time here, with a variety of restaurants available, including the award-winning Bourj Al Hamam, which serves delectable Lebanese dishes.

Petra: Grand Mercure Petra or Old Village Resort (nights 3-5)

Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure

In Petra, we either stay at the Grand Mercure or the Old Village Resort (above), both five-star properties. The former is reminiscent of a fortress, occupying an elevated position with plenty of dreamy views over the Rift Valley. It also has a pool, a Bedouin tent with more valley views, and a Mediterranean restaurant. The latter offers spectacular views over the mountains, plus rooms showcasing the work of local artisans. There are indoor and outdoor pools too, plus a restaurant serving local, Middle Eastern and European dishes.

Wadi Rum: Saraya luxury camp (night 6)

Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure

Surrounded by sandstone peaks, this luxury camp provides an authentic Bedouin adventure in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert. The level of comfort is undoubtedly among the best in the area; each of the sleeping cabins has a well-fitted bathroom, heating and air conditioning. There’s also a restaurant where the chefs embrace traditional cooking techniques plus beautiful sunsets to enjoy most evenings.

Aqaba: Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort (night 7)

Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure

Relax at this five-star Hyatt Regency, an amenity-packed waterside resort. Enjoy leisure time in the expansive pool, sip cocktails with marina views at Cascades pool bar, and dine in one of the many excellent eateries. The 285 modern rooms all have a terrace with peace-inducing views over the lagoons and the mountains or marina.

Dead Sea: Hilton Dead Sea Hotel & Spa (night 8)

Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure

Enjoy five-star treatment at the lowest point on land with a stay at this Hilton hotel. There’s direct access to the beach (where you’ll find the only floating pontoon in the area) or order a fresh juice or draft beer at the swim-up bar in one of the infinity pools.

Worth knowing

  • The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.

Single supplement from USD 1,312

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners are included.

Dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa. In Amman, we include a welcome dinner at a restaurant known for its excellent Jordanian food. Dinner on the first night in Petra is included at our hotel.

In Aqaba, we include sundowners from the private beach overlooking the Red Sea.

When not on half board, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around 15-20 Jordanian dinars per person (US$21-US$28) for non-included meals.

If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling vegetarian choice. There is a good choice of seafood available when at the Red Sea. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately to the meat.

Transport

For most of this trip we use a private air-conditioned bus, with a local driver. To reach the Wadi Rum camp and to explore the surrounding desert, we use basic 4×4 vehicles, owned by the Bedouins. The vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall below normal vehicle safety standards expected on our trips. As there are no other vehicles available and as we are not travelling by road, we feel they are an adequate means of transport.

Weather & Seasonality

Spring and autumn are very popular times to visit Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75F) in the day and down to 8C (46F) at night. Rain is more likely, but protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (89F) in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same.

Wadi Rum is around 30C (86F) on average in summer, though it can get as high as 40C (104F). At night it is usually cooler (30C/86F). In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50F) during the day. In the evening, it can hit freezing. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety.

Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible.

The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14C (57F) in winter up to 37C (98F) in summer. The water temperature doesn’t drop below 20C (68F). As with many countries in the world, seasons can go on longer than usual so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 35-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel for any flight landing on arrival day. Speak to your sales representative before departure to book. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

If you book post-tour accommodation with Exodus in Madaba, we can arrange free drop-off as a stop on the group transfer. If arranging a post tour stay in Amman, a private transfer at additional cost will be needed, either from the Dead Sea or Amman airport. On departure, a transfer from Madaba or Amman to the airport would also be at extra cost.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Amman
Location end: Dead Sea

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Overnight bag for one-night stay in Wadi Rum
  • Lightweight walking boots/shoes for Petra
  • Sports bottle with wide top (not plastic) for water refills from large containers
  • Sunhat
  • Sunscreen
  • Swimwear for the Red and Dead seas
  • Insect repellent for the night at the desert camp
  • Torch (flashlight) for desert camp
  • Appropriate footwear for the Dead Sea as parts are rocky underfoot

You will encounter a range of temperatures on these trips; in spring and autumn the days are generally quite hot (very hot in July and August), the nights are cool in the desert. Light cotton clothing is suitable for daytime use, but you may need a sweater, and for departures from the end of September onwards you should also bring a warm jacket.

Jordan is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required when visiting holy sites and rural areas (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms to be covered). In the larger cities and more popular destinations this is not necessary.

Please try to bring no more than one main piece of luggage per person. On occasion luggage may be transported separately to the vehicle the group travels in.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Practical Information

Passport

Jordan passport information

It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required for the free visa (see below for eligibility details) and additionally, has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.

Visa

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.

We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.

You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).

Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.

Vaccinations and Health

Jordan

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm all requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Jordan's time zone: Asia/Amman (UTC +03:00)

Electricity

Jordan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins), F (two round pins), G (three rectangular pins, UK standard), and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure

Money

Jordan's currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)

ATM Availability

You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at Amman airport. Here you will find both ATMs and exchange desks.

You’ll find ATMs in the major towns and cities, including Madaba, Petra, Aqaba and Amman. However, not all ATMs will take every card type, so please do not rely just on your cards and bring some cash to change if possible.

Your leader will be able to advise you on changing money and ATMs.

Larger shops in the cities may take credit cards, but do not rely on this. We suggest taking some money in cash (US dollars, British pounds or euros) with a mix of denominations.

Changing travellers cheques in Jordan can be quite difficult as very few places now accept these. If you do wish to take them, we advise using those issued by either Thomas Cook or American Express, as you may find others even more difficult to change. Small denomination cash dollars are useful for times when you want to change a small amount of money outside the major towns or cities.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Optional excursions

There are various excursions possible on this trip – the leader will provide more details on arrival. Please note that all prices are subject to change.

  • Petra by night: Follow the trail from the Siq to the Treasury in candlelight where you will be offered tea and traditional music by the local Bedouins 17 dinars per person (US$24). Please note, this is not possible every evening and it can get crowded at times. It is a low-key entertainment, so it is best not to go with any expectations.
  • Turkish bath in Petra: 22 dinars per person (US$31)
  • Little Petra: A smaller but still impressive version of the main Petra site. 13 dinars per person (US$19) for guided tour and transport. This is an option on the morning we travel to Aqaba.If the whole group does this option, then we check out of the hotel beforehand.
  • Camel rides in Wadi Rum: Camel rides provided by the local Bedouin will be possible and scheduled according to the group preferences. A trek in the desert is approximately 1hr 20min and costs 20 dinars per person (US$28).
  • Amman entry fees: The main sites are included in our city tour at the beginning of the trip. However, if you arrive a day early you may like to visit the King Abdullah Mosque. The entrance is 2 dinars (US$3).

Tipping

On all Exodus Premium Adventures tipping for any local support staff is included and will normally be taken care of via your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So need no for any tipping kitty contributions, or to make your own tips during the trip.

Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.

Tips for the Tour Leader are not included and most clients will wish to tip the leader. As a guide we suggest US$55 per person for this trip. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the trip in an envelope. The amount is at your discretion and our suggested amount is to be used as a guideline only.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

In Jordan we are very proud to work with a local partner who received the Travelife Partner award in July 2021. Travelife is a certification system dedicated to achieving sustainable practices in the global tourism industry. In order to receive the award our Jordanian partner had to comply with over 100 criteria related to Corporate Social Responsibility. The Travelife standard is formally recognised for full compliance with the UN Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
  • The hotels and camp we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
  • This trip stays one night in Wadi Rum desert where all camps are run by local Bedouins.  This not only provides a source of income for their families but is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their traditions.
  • In Wadi Rum we also do a jeep safari which provides another source of income for local people.
  • This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
  • By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • On this trip we visit national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used for the upkeep and development of these important monuments and nature parks.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • In Petra we do not recommend that guests ride horses or mules as we are not convinced their treatment is in line with industry-leading animal welfare guidelines.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
  • It is standard practise in Jordan to distribute left-over restaurant food to people in need through local charities.  On this trip we include a dinner at a restaurant where this is the practise.
  • Where possible on this trip paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • A number of hotels on this trip adhere to sustainable practises as part of their corporate goals. For Example the Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental adheres to the groups Green Engage system which takes into serious consideration the environment and its conservation.
  • At the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa they have a number of sustainability initiatives including Soap for Hope – recycling used soap bars and donating them and using recycled water for irrigation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.

Cultural respect:

  • Some Jordanians especially women and the elderly object to being photographed so please ask first.
  • Jordanians are very proud of their country and can be offended if you take pictures of anything ‘negative’ or suggestive of poverty. Photography in military zones and strategic areas like public buildings is prohibited.
  • Handshaking is only between members of the same sex.
  • It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
  • It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home and you should tuck them under if sitting on the floor. It is respectful for women to cover their heads with a scarf when entering a mosque. Please note many mosques are not open for tourist visits.
  • Generally men’s and women’s clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
  • During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours. Even chewing gum is considered haram. (forbidden). Although foreigners are not expected to follow these practises it is respectful to be discrete and not eat, drink, or smoke in general public.
  • Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in Jordan.

 

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.