JORDAN EXPLORER

Visit us at www.AustinAdventures.com Itinerary Overview

Travel to exploring modern to historic and the Biblical waters of the . Following the ancient 'Kings Highway' in the footsteps of Ramses II, the Queen of Sheba, Marcus Anthonius and Cleopatra, the Prophet Mohamed, Jesus, and Lawrence of Arabia, our Jordan adventure traverses the spectrum of time in a land of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Hike the Dana Nature reserve and camp under the desert stars at . Savor local in Amman and learn how to prepare traditional Jordanian at Petra. Dip into the Dead Sea and explore , , and Mt. Nebo, where Moses first saw the Promised Land. Discover dramatic Crusader castles, take a 4WD excursion into Wadi Rum desert, and absorb the wonder of Petra for two full days with our expert guide. Designed for active travelers, you’ll make enduring bonds with guides and as invited guests for in the home of a local Jordanian family.

DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS Intercontinental 1 AMMAN Airport reception and transfer to hotel Jordan Hotel Walking tour of Amman, visit Jabal al-Weibdeh Intercontinental 2 AMMAN B neighborhood, Jebel al-Q’ala, street markets, Jordan Hotel evening -tasting Intercontinental Drive to Jerash, hike to Castle, lunch with 3 AMMAN BL Jordan Hotel local family Dana Guest Drive Dana Nature Reserve via Madaba, walking 4 DANA BLD House tour of Madaba Feynan Eco- Full day walking / hiking in Dana Nature 5 DANA BLD Lodge Reserve, cross country to Feynan Eco-Lodge AM in Dana Nature Reserve, PM drive to Little Petra Guest 6 PETRA BL Petra via Shobak Crusader Castle, Petra by night House experience Petra Guest Full day guided tour of Petra, lunch in valley, 7 PETRA BLD House group class and dinner at Petra SunCity Desert Morning at Petra, afternoon 4X4 tour of Wadi 8 WADI RUM BD Camp Rum, overnight desert camp Dead Sea Drive to Dead Sea via Kerak Crusader Castle and 9 DEAD SEA B Marriott Mt Nebo Dead Sea Hike & swim Wadi Muji, afternoon tour of Dead 10 DEAD SEA B Marriott Sea Panorama Museum Transfer to the airport OR extend your trip to 11 FLY B or Israel

Itinerary in Detail DAY 1 : ARRIVE IN AMMAN Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport and meet our representative who will secure your visa in advance. Transfer to your hotel, conveniently located near the city center and retail districts. Amman was the capital of the Ammonites in 1200 BCE, known in the Old Testament as Rabbath-. During the 3rd century BCE, Amman was renamed Philadelphia (Greek for "Brotherhood Love") after the Ptolemaic ruler Philadelphus (283-246 BCE). Following Seleucid and Nabataean rule, the Roman General Pompey made Philadelphia part of the Decapolis League (a loose alliance of ten city states) bound by powerful commercial, political and cultural interests under allegiance to Rome. During the Byzantine period, Philadelphia was the seat of a Christian Bishop but the city declined somewhat until 635 ACE when the region became part of the Islamic caliphate and its original Semitic name Ammon or Amman was restored.

Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -2- DAY 2: AMMAN WALKING TOUR Join your guide for a walking tour of Amman. This is a city of hills, so bring your walking shoes and high spirits. Explore Jebel al-Q’al’a (Citadel Hill) with its Roman Temple of Hercules and Byzantine Ummayad Palace, followed by the Roman Theatre, Amman’s most popular archaeological sites. As part of the Theatre, the Jordan Folklore Museum offers a glimpse into the cultures of the desert, as well as those of the villages scattered throughout the desert and highlands. Examples of clothing as well as household utensils are on display, along with a Bedouin -hair tent. Stroll through a street market with your guide, who will point out the best places to sample local cuisine. Venture into one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods, Jabal al-Weibdeh, filled with art galleries, museums, antiquities shops and handicrafts. Savor local wines at one of Jordan’s finest wineries, trying modern varieties along with cheese and cold cuts. Jordan has one of the longest histories of winemaking in the world, dating back to the Nabatean times. It’s thought that wine served at the Last Supper probably came from Umm Qais in northern Jordan.

DAY 3: JERASH / AJLOUN NATURE RESERVE Drive approx. 1 hour to Jerash Journey through Jordan’s fascinating history with a visit to Jerash, one of the world’s most extensive restorations of a provincial Roman town, exploring its theaters, temples, and colonnaded streets. Visit the nearby Castle of Ajloun or Qalaat Errabadh ( for "Hilltop Castle"), with a view over the . Built in 1184-85 ACE by Ezz Eddin Osama bin Munqethe, a nephew of the Ayyubid leader Salahuddin Al-Ayyoubi (), to protect the region from invading Crusaders, it was one of a chain of fortresses which lit beacons at night to pass signals from the Euphrates as far as Cairo. Enjoy lunch at a local Jordanian family’s home before returning to Amman.

DAY 4: MADABA WALKING TOUR / DANA Drive approx. 45 minutes to Madaba / 1 hour to Dana Nature Reserve Drive the famous Kings' Highway stretching from Amman to Petra and lookout for the original Roman milestones stand at the side of the road, their distances still relevant. Explore Madaba, the “City of Mosaics,” its most famous being a 6th century Byzantine map, the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land in existence, spread across the floor of a church. Venture to see the Shrine of the Beheading of St John the Baptist, with its beautiful Acropolis Museum in the vaulted cellar of the church. Here you will find a 3000 year old water well, still used today. Time permitting, we will make a stop at the Apostles Church, with its spectacular mosaic dedicated to the 12 Apostles, its centerpiece dominated by a regal woman personifying the sea and all its real and mythical creatures.

Explore Dana Nature Reserve, a visionary program combining scientific research with sustainable tourism, benefitting the traditional inhabitants of the village. Dana Nature Reserve is a system of wadis Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -3- and mountains extending from the top of the Rift Valley to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba, an elevation drop of over 1600 meters. This vast, newly developed reserve serves as a refuge for endangered species, including ibex, mountain gazelle, badgers, red fox and wolf. Enjoy some free time to explore the walking trails before dinner. Dana Village has been continually occupied for about 6000 years.

DAY 5: HIKING IN DANA RESERVE Hiking distance 8.5 miles, ascend 750’, descend 375’ Spend today hiking from the Dana Village into the heart of the spectacular Jordanian high desert, through four distinct bio- geographical zones supporting a wide variety of wildlife and plants. The trail contours huge escarpments of the Wadi Dana, along impressive white sandstone domes overlooking the reserve below before descending through all four of Jordan’s eco-zones, each with a distinctive landscape and complex of flora and fauna. Look for the Griffin Vulture overhead, as well as hyrax and tiny but brilliant blue agama (Sinai) lizard. If lucky, we may even see the elegant ibex or a desert fox. Depending on the season, the striking black iris, which could be thought of as Jordan’s national flower, may dot the landscape. Arrive at Feynan Eco-Lodge, recognized as one of the “top fifty ecolodges in the world” by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Time permitting, walk (20-30 minutes) to a hilltop where we sip hot Bedouin and toast the brilliant colors of the Wadi Araba in the setting sun.

*PLEASE NOTE: This trail is unmarked in places and can be challenging, traversing rough terrain over uneven surfaces and loose rock. If you have any doubts as to your ability or comfort with this portion of the itinerary, we can substitute transfer via vehicle to Feynan Lodge. Please ask!*

DAY 6: SHOBAK CASTLE / PETRA Drive approx. 2.5 hours with stop for Shobak Explore Shobak Castle, the first fortress to be constructed by the Crusaders in . The original fortress has been rebuilt by subsequent conquerors – Mamlukes and Ottomans, with delicate calligraphic inscriptions carved into exterior walls dating from the late 13th century. The castle boasts secret passages and deep mysterious stairwells descending into the cliff on which the fortress is perched. Shobak is also surrounded by additional ruins of Ottoman homes an ancient palace complex and ghostly arches of a long- crumbled church. Arrive in Petra, the crown jewel of Jordan archeological sites. Depending on the day of arrival, follow your guide for the walk through the candlelit Siq, the narrow slot with soaring walls which leads to Petra. Thousands of flickering candles illuminate the face of the Treasury in all its glory. Sip hot tea, get lost in the music and poetry, the epic tales of those who created this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new “7 Wonders of the World.”

Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -4- DAY 7: PETRA VALLEY Embark on a guided tour of Petra Valley which boasts caves, buildings, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples, arched gateways, and colonnaded streets carved from the kaleidoscopic-colored sandstone. For more than 400 years Petra was the fulcrum of the ancient world's and incense route; a city hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, approachable only through the 'Siq', the kilometer long sheer-walled chasm that a force of twenty could hold against an army of ten thousand. Built by an industrious Arab people called the who moved up the coast of Felix Arabia (Saudi Arabia) to settle in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago, the Nabataeans dominated the Frankincense Trade Route from Sheba to their capital at Petra. Petra became the center for trade goods arriving via the Red Sea from the Far East then transported north overland on the Frankincense Route from Sheba (Yemen) and from Africa (Somalia, Abyssinia, etc). Enjoy lunch in the valley at the Basin Restaurant, and continue exploring the myriad trails on your own. Join other travelers for a cooking class at the Petra Kitchen, a fun and active hands-on experience rewarded with a shared of typical .

DAY 8: WADI RUM Drive approx. 1.5 hours Return to Petra for last minute photos and exploring the places you may have overlooked previously. Set off with your local Bedouin guide on a two-hour exploration of Wadi Rum in 4x4 vehicles. On all sides the brilliant white-yellow sand is sandwiched by towering red sandstone cliffs which soar vertically three hundred feet or more into the air, contrasting brilliantly against the azure blue sky. Wadi Rum was the setting for the film "Lawrence of Arabia" which gave birth to the mythology that T.E. Lawrence and the Arab irregulars rode through Wadi Rum enroute to attack the Turks at . Unfortunately, this never happened. Although the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence depicted in the film did accompany the Arab irregular cavalry as it captured Aqaba from the Turks during the Great of 1917-18 ACE, the Arab forces, quite logically, took the more direct, faster and easier route along which the highway to Aqaba now lies. Enjoy hot tea at sunset while watching the colors of the dunes and rugged mountains catch fire.

Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -5- DAY 9: KERAK / MT NEBO / DEAD SEA Drive approx. 4-6 hours with stops Set out for the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. The views of the entire Jordan Valley are revealed as we descend toward many of the most fabled places in the Bible. Enroute, we visit the Crusader castle of Kerak, started approximately 1140AD, and used to control trade routes from to Egypt and Mecca. Continuing onto Mt Nebo, we stand where Moses saw the Promised Land of Israel for the first time, but was denied entry for disobeying God. This is a serene spot for reflection and strolling through the gardens, inhaling fragrant eucalyptus all around. Arrive at the Dead Sea in time to jump into the saline waters which enable you to bob like a cork, never sinking. Many believe in the curative powers of the mud, slathering it over limbs and body. Regardless, it makes for fun photographs!

DAY 10: / DEAD SEA PANORAMA COMPLEX Drive approx. ½ hour / Hike 2-3 hours Explore the visitor’s center near the King’s Highway and take a cantilevered walkway to follow the between soaring sandstone cliffs to a sparkling waterfall. The black basaltic canyon is filled with narrow gorges and inviting pools for swimming. Explore the Dead Sea Panorama, an outstanding museum, restaurant and viewpoint high above the Dead Sea. The Zara Cliff Walk (approx. 1 mile) snakes around the edge of the wadi, offering sightings of raptors and hyrax. Across the Dead Sea, Israel and the Judaea Mountains appear within arm’s reach. Return late afternoon to the hotel.

DAY 11: DEPART Drive approx. 1 hour Transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for departure.

END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives.

PLEASE NOTE: While this itinerary does have set departure dates, we can always make a special request if your travel plans do not match up. However, please bear in mind it is recommended to arrive in Amman on a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday in order to participate in the optional “Petra by Night” event on Day 6

Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -6- INCLUDED SERVICES ▪ Airport transfers and land transportation as noted ▪ Meet & assist at airport ▪ Accommodations as noted ▪ Private vehicles with English-speaking guide and driver (except in Wadi Rum) ▪ Shared 4x4 vehicle ride in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide ▪ All entrance fees to sites for touring as noted ▪ Collective visa to Jordan upon arrival for all staying more than 2 nights in Jordan. Full passport details MUST be received 14 days or more prior to arrival. This service is subject to change with no notice. ▪ Meals as indicated [B=, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES ▪ International flights between USA and Jordan ▪ Exit tax from Jordan (10JD = US$15 per person at land borders only. Tax is included on air tickets) Taxes subject to change without notice. ▪ Tips and gratuities ▪ Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks ▪ Meals not indicated above ▪ Extra costs for optional excursions or services on own or to be paid direct ▪ Travel insurance ▪ Extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control

Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -7- ACCOMMODATIONS

INTERCONTINENTAL JORDAN HOTEL This 5* hotel is a well-known landmark in bustling Amman, offering cosmopolitan amenities with a distinctive Middle Eastern touch. Light-filled rooms, vibrant modern furnishings, international cuisine, luxurious spa amenities and views all combine for a relaxing, comfortable stay. Rooms offer cable TV, climate control, work desk and safety box. WiFi is available for a nominal charge. Dining options cover a broad range, from casual Café Boulevard to Bourj Al Hamam, known throughout the city for its excellent .

DANA GUEST HOUSE, DANA NATURE RESERVE Dana Guest House is a delightful 9-bedroom property with stunning views over Wadi Dana. A 2.5 hour drive from Amman and 1.5 hour drive from Petra, the Guest House is located close to the picturesque Dana village and right next door is a small handicrafts workshop and nature reserve museum. The Guest House rooms are simply furnished, clean and comfortable, with shared bathroom facilities, although one room is equipped with an en suite bathroom. Most rooms have a private terrace overlooking a 1000m drop to Wadi Dana. The sun setting on the far side of the Wadi makes the balconies an exceptional place to linger during the evenings.

FEYNAN ECOLODGE, DANA NATURE RESERVE Constructed in 2005 by renowned architect Ammar Khammash deep in the heart of the , and hailed by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the top fifty eco lodges in the world, the solar-powered Feynan Ecolodge offers the only complete eco-experience in Jordan. Owned by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and operated by EcoHotels, Feynan Ecolodge integrates conservation and socio-economic development while promoting the importance of the natural environment. Located 215k south of Amman off the Dead Sea-Aqaba highway, the arabesque architecture of the 26-room lodge with its courtyards and terraces and candle-lit charm, blends elegantly into the natural environment. Hotel facilities include solar generated electricity and heat, a restaurant, bar, concierge, hiking facilities and nature guides, laundry service etc. and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking panoramic vistas of Wadi Feynan. Each room offers a different view of the surrounding mountains and is equipped with candles nestled in recesses, TV, phone, and en-suite bathrooms.

Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -8- PETRA GUEST HOUSE Located just a short walk from the entrance to Petra’s Siq, the Petra Guest House is carved out of the surreal landscape of this spectacular landscape. Most guest rooms have mountain views, with premium bedding, LCD TV, WiFi, safe box, mini- bar, coffee/tea facilities. The Guest House offers a lobby lounge, family dining restaurant, and the Cave Bar with large piazza.

SUN CITY DESERT CAMP This comfortable campsite is located deep in the desert far from any other encampments. Guests sleep in canvas tents with floors covered in rugs, each supplied with two camping beds, linens, pillow, extra blankets, bedside table, drawers and a mirror. The camp is fully staffed with 24 hour service, full bar and clean bathrooms. There is a lounge area under Bedouin tents where a bonfire is lit in the evenings and traditional Bedouin meals are served.

MARRIOTT HOTEL, DEAD SEA The Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa is tucked between the mountains and the Dead Sea not far from Mount Nebo and the Jordan River. Hotel facilities include multiple restaurants and bars, three outdoor pools and whirlpools, mineral spa treatments, concierge, money exchange etc. All 233 rooms and 17 suites are equipped with A/C, a mini-bar, individual climate control, hair dryer, iron, cable /satellite TV, wireless internet access.

Austin Adventures | Jordan Explorer | www.AustinAdventures.com -9-