New Year's in Wadi Rum 8 Days | Starts/Ends: Amman

TRIP NOTES

NEW YEAR TOUR: Celebrate a • Petra - Say hello to the UNESCO-listed What's Not Included Nabataean city that was all but lost to the festive Bedouin New Year’s Eve in • Tipping Kitty: USD$40-60pp, paid in local modern world until its rediscovery in 1812 the heart of the Wadi Rum Desert. currency • Wadi Rum - Witness this vast red desert Add the fascinating Lost City of • Entrance Fees: USD$140-160pp, paid in landscape with rolling dunes and local currency Petra, bobbing in the Dead Sea, dramatic rock formations • International flights and visa (see Trip exploring Roman ruins, and you'll • Shobak Crusader Castle - Explore this Notes for further information about visas) be kicking off your New Year in magnificent castle perched dramatically • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend on a hill top style! you allow USD$5-7 per day, per traveller. • Dead Sea - Float in the warm and buoyant Tipping your guide is an entirely personal mineral-rich waters HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS gesture What's Included Trip Highlights • Breakfast daily and 2 dinners, plus New COVID SAFE GUIDE • Amman - Explore this Ancient hilltop Year’s Bedouin Party at the Wadi Rum citadel with its fascinating Archaeological Camp DETAILED ITINERARY Museum and the bustling souqs • 6 nights 4 star hotels • Jerash - Roam the ruins of the ancient • 1 night Wadi Rum deluxe desert camp Day 1 : Welcome to Jordan! Roman city • Wadi Rum - 4x4 desert safari through the 27 December. Once you arrive in Amman you • Umm ar-Rasas - Visit this ancient city sand dunes are met at the airport and transferred to your and important stop on the caravan route • Dead Sea - Free time to swim and detox hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at between east and west with breathtaking • Touring - Amman, Jerash, Dead Sea, your leisure. views Petra, Wadi Rum, Shobak, Umm ar-Rasas, Overnight - Amman • Umm Qais - See the Roman Decapolis Mt Nebo and Madaba City, once a cultural centre and home to • Escorted by a licensed Jordanian tour poets and great philosophers guide and English speaking specialist • Mt Nebo - Stand at one of the most guides at some local sights sacred sites in Jordan with views across • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and the Promised Land departure transfer is offered on day 8 at • Madaba - Stop into the Christian market 23:00 (day 7), 04:00, 07:00, 09:00, 12:00 town, Church of St George and Jordan’s and 16:00 only finest Byzantine mosaics • All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

New Year's in Wadi Rum - 8 Days updated on 24-09-2021 06:00:38 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

New Year's in Wadi Rum

Day 2 : Jerash & Umm Qais Gadara was renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, attracting an array of writers, Leaving Amman we’ll stop first at Mt. Nebo, artists, philosophers and poets. It also served the site from which Moses saw the Promised as a resort for Romans vacationing in the Land. Having led the Israelites for 40 years nearby al-Hemma hot springs. Gadara was through the wilderness, Moses finally saw blessed with fertile soil, abundant water and them from this impressive vantage point. This a location astride a number of key trading amazing panorama includes the Jordan River routes connecting Asia and Europe. Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho and the spires and domes of the Mt. of Olives and Bethlehem The city thrived until the Byzantine era on the Judean Hills just across the wide valley. which witnessed the decline of Gadara into Later, we visit Madaba en route to Petra where Amman - Jerash - Umm Qais - Amman. relative obscurity. Earthquakes destroyed we see the Church of St George, the Madaba Your tour guide will usually be at your hotel many buildings, and by the dawn of the Islamic Archaeological Park, Apostles Church and at approximately 7.30am for your Welcome era Gadara had become just another village. Madaba Museum. Meeting. Throughout the tour, you are fully The town became known by the Arabic name briefed by your tour guide with regards to Umm Qais during the Middle Ages. Today, Our next port of call is Um ar-Rasas, one of your touring arrangements. At the Welcome a considerable portion of the original Roman Jordan’s World Heritage sites and once an Meeting, a modest tipping kitty is collected amphitheatre has survived and the seats here important stop on the busy caravan routes. from everyone (as noted under exclusions face west, and are brought to life at sunset. The impressive mosaic floor of the St. Stephen on page one of this document). This tip kitty Next to the theatre is a colonnaded street that Church features medallions commemorating covers all the tipping throughout your tour once probably was the town’s commercial all the early Christian pilgrimage sites of the (to baggage handlers, porters, drivers and heart. Also, near the black basalt theatre are region, and the extensive ruins also include ancillaries). The tip for your tour guide is not the columns of the great Basilica of Gadara. one of the area’s earliest Stylite towers, where included in this tip kitty and should be given Further west along the colonnaded street are a Byzantine hermit lived atop the tower and at the end of your tour for a job well done a mausoleum and public baths. preached to the pilgrimage visitors. (for information about tipping, see “Tipping” Later this evening, we head out for a meal and further down this document). a stroll along Rainbow Street to experience Our final stop of the day is Petra. Want to learn Today we tour Jerash, second only to Petra modern Amman with its hip bars, rooftop how to cook Middle Eastern food? Consider in touristic appeal, the 2,000 year-old Graeco- restaurants, art studios, and bookshops. our Petra Kitchen Add-on tonight! This is Roman ruins of Jerash are recognised as Overnight - Amman (B, D) available on Tues/Fri only. As such, this is can one of the best-preserved member cities of be booked on the 2020 depature, but not the the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 Graeco- Day 3 : Mt Nebo & Umm ar 2021 departure. Roman cities. When Emperor Hadrian paid Rasas Overnight - Petra (B) a visit in 129 AD, the place was buzzing. The citizens built a Triumphal Arch for Day 4 : The Rose City of Petra him which still stands today. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, the town boasts a hippodrome, the old sports field that once held 15,000 spectators, a stunning amphitheatre with amazing acoustic abilities, the forum which gracefully links the main north-south axis of Jerash, a colonnaded street paved with original stones and the rut Amman - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Umm ar marks of chariots, a nymphaeum replete with Rasas - Petra. Today we tour the citadel and ancient fountains trimmed with dolphins and Archaeological Museum of Amman before we Chief among Jordan’s many archaeological various temples. take a walk through the bustling local souk to riches is the UNESCO World Heritage From here, we travel to the modern town of enjoy typical Jordanian street treats of falafel Site of the Rose City of Petra. The city Umm Qais, which is the site of the ancient and hummus at the country’s most popular was first settled around the 6th century Graeco-Roman town of Gadara, one of the local street stand. As the pictures on the wall BC by the Nabataean tribe from Western cities of the Decapolis with panoramic views will prove, the unglamorous food stand was a Arabia. A succession of habitation, leadership over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. great favourite of the late King Hussein. and further development followed, but as the caravan trade routes were gradually

New Year's in Wadi Rum displaced by the advent of sea trade routes, be able to independently explore and stroll the city’s importance gradually declined and back toward the siq at a leisurely pace. See out the old year at a Bedouin NY Petra passed into obscurity. party featuring folkloric dancing, Bedouin Consider doing the Petra by Night excursion musicians, hands-on demonstrations of Rediscovered in 1812 by the young Swiss this evening (payable locally), for a tantalizing traditional Bedouin coffee and bread making, explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt, it remains on candlelight stroll through Petra’s Siq….. fireworks and more….along with a lavish buffet the list of must see sights for many travellers. Overnight - Petra (B) dinner and champagne toast at midnight. The approach to Petra is very undulating. Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D) The town itself is set across some rather Day 5 : New Years Eve in steep hills that wind downwards to the star Wadi Rum Days 6-7 : Shobak Castle & attraction, the Rose City. We access the the Dead Sea hidden archaeological treasures of the Rose City on our walk through a narrow, deep siq, where the rocks finally give way to reveal the famous facade of the Kazneh - The Treasury of Petra. It’s natural to have an Indiana Jones moment here as it was this building that served as the Holy Grail’s resting place and the prize Indy so coveted. As the Treasury is passed, the hidden valley widens to reveal the remains of the city. Continuing our walk, we Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning we have the explore parts of this fantastic once-lost city. opportunity to join our guide for a return visit Wadi Rum - Shobak - Dead Sea. Happy New to Petra, along the “secret way” of al-Madras, Year! After breakfast at the campsite on day In all, there are some 800 registered sites with visits to the High Place of Sacrifice and 6, we head north along the Desert Highway in Petra, including 500 tombs. Just as Wadi Farasa. At mid-day we’ll make a stop to visit Shobak Castle, which is perched fascinating as the rock–carved monuments in the Wadi Musa souk to pick up shawarma dramatically on a hill top and was built by the are the rocks themselves. Petra is an erosion– sandwiches and fruit and veggie snacks from Crusader king Baldwin I in 1115. After exploring hewn masterpiece. Sandstone shot with the local produce souk before making the the castle we descend some 1300 meters minerals burst into colour giving off blue, scenic drive to Wadi Rum. We board our after to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the red, orange and green hues. Amongst the 4x4 jeeps and tour the moonscape desert earth’s surface. More than 400 meters below rocky and sometimes jagged scenery, it’s terrain, arriving to our remote camp site, deep sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is the sometimes hard to know what is man– in the heart of the Wadi Rum Protected Area. world’s original health and beauty spa. Bob in made and what is the result of nature. the waters and slap on some of the famous Our exploration takes us past many tombs, A vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds, black Dead Sea mud to give your skin an temples, an impressive amphitheatre and a pastel coloured stretches of sandy desert invigorating boost. Roman colonnaded street. Concluding the and amazing rock formations known as guided aspect of the tour, you’re free to jebels that rise from the desert floor, the After check in at the Dead Sea, re-confirming head off and further explore. The intrepid can desertscape of Wadi Rum represents some your departure transfer time to Amman Airport ascend the hundreds of rock cut steps to Ad- of the most stunning countryside on the and answering any questions you may have, Deir, better known as the Monastery. Ad-Deir planet. The world’s mountain climbers and it is time to say goodbye to your tour guide has a similar facade to that of the Treasury, hikers, attracted by it’s many as yet unscaled who is returning to Amman today. Your time but is far bigger and the views from the nearby peaks, have recently discovered Wadi Rum’s at the Dead Sea is offered purely as rest and cliff-tops are breathtaking. spectacular natural scenery and comfortable relaxation and with no formal arrangements year round climate. your guide will take his leave. Today's sightseeing tour of Petra is conducted at a moderate pace covering approximately Wadi Rum possesses unspoiled natural Day 7 is free to further relax and pamper 12 - 15km (including the Monastery). Much of beauty forged by millions of years of yourself at the Dead Sea. Enjoy this natural the ground will be rocky and uneven and you geological formation, erosion and evolution. phenomena, whiling away the time bobbing in will need to have an average level of fitness The region is also home to the semi-nomadic the mineral rich buoyant waters and lathering to complete the full tour. There will be short Bedouin living in their great goat’s hair tents, up with a detoxifying mud bath. breaks along the way. Some travellers choose tending their herds of sheep and goats, and During your Dead Sea stay, there will be an not to complete the full tour and skip the climb preserving an ancient lifestyle that has been optional visit to the Ma'in Hot Springs - a series to the Monastery and should you do this you'll practiced in the Arabian desert for thousands of years. of waterfalls and hot springs, and a sacred

New Year's in Wadi Rum baptism site where Jesus Christ is thought to Old Village Resort This accommodation is well located in the have been baptised (payable locally). heart of Wadi Rum. Located above Wadi Mousa, Old Village Note: Lunch and dinner at the Dead Sea are Resort has a wonderfully traditional feel not included in our stay. A buffet lunch is about it with open stonework and original offered daily at a cost of 13 JD and a dinner architecture. Rooms are full of character, buffet nightly at a cost of 19 JD per person. some with delightful archways and all There is also an a la carte menu and other directly accessed from the outside. The restaurant choice available onsite. Overnight hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and - Dead Sea (B:2) sauna and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner why not dine al fresco Holiday Inn Resort Day 8 : Dead Sea at the restaurant overlooking the mountains. Graced with interconnecting palm fringed 03 January. Dead Sea - Amman Airport. Hotel Well located in forested wadis facing Petra’s swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, check out and included onward transfer to mountains. the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. the airport in Amman. Departure transfers Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and are offered on day 8 at 23:00 (evening of benefit from complimentary high speed day 7), 04:00, 07:00, 09:00, 12:00 and 16:00. internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness If you would like a departure transfer at centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The any other time or a transfer with post tour 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a accommodation this can be arranged, please tipple at any time of the day or night. The enquire. accommodation is located on the shores of (B) Petra Moon Hotel the world famous Dead Sea.

HOTELS Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious Highlighted below are some of the hotels rooms with private balconies and flat-screen which we frequently use on this tour, though TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal we reserve the right to substitute these outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and hotels to ones of a similar standard. suites at Petra Moon come with satellite Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival Each has air conditioning and a private information. bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a KNOW BEFORE YOU GO delicious selection of international meals in Al-Qasr Metropole both buffet-style and a la carte. COVID-19 Vaccination Recently refurbished, the Al Qasr Metropole Requirements is a modern and chic boutique hotel. Guest As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of rooms are beautifully furnished and include travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions free Wi-Fi connection and luxury en suite that all travellers over 18 years provide proof facilities. All guests at the Al Qasr gain free of COVID-19 vaccination. access to the on site Fitness First gym as We recognise any vaccine that has been well as a complimentary breakfast. The authorised for use in the country where rooftop restaurant has fantastic panoramic Rainbow Camp the vaccine was administered. This includes views of Amman and is a great place A row of permanent tents in the desert make vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, to spend the evening. The hotel is well up the popular Rainbow Camp. Inside the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- located in Shmeisani, one of Amman's most tents are comfortable camp beds and warm BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. prestigious neighbourhoods. bedding. Showers and toilets are close by and are cleaned thoroughly every day. In all instances, you must be fully immunised. Guests can relax in the communal area This means you must receive the full dosage which is adorned with colourful rugs and of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum cushions. The food at Rainbow Camp always of 14 days before travelling in order for gets rave reviews. Taking an evening stroll immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 around the beautiful surroundings is a great vaccine has different dosages and timeframes way to work up an appetite before dinner. for immunisation, so please check the related

New Year's in Wadi Rum medical advice associated with your vaccine. on the tour to cover gratuities throughout Guides & Groups Children under 18 years are not required to your holiday. This saves you the hassle of Many of our tours offered are sectors of a provide evidence of vaccination to travel at knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, larger tour. As such, on your holiday you may this time. luggage luggers, bus drivers, antiquity guards, have travellers join you part way through your and other support staff throughout the tour. tour or end their holiday when you continue If you are unable to be vaccinated due on. You also may have a number of escorting to medical reasons, you may apply for an This amount does not include a tip for your guides throughout your tour, ie one guide exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on tour guide. For a job well done, we suggest escorting your time in Jordan, another in a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must USD$5-7 per day for your tour guide, however Egypt or Israel (or in reverse depending on provide supporting documentation from a the decision to tip or how much is entirely up your tour). medical professional. to you.

Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must If travelling to Israel we recommend you Jordan Country Guide be provided to us no less than budget USD5-7 per day, per traveller for your 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept guide and USD2-3 for your driver. Again, Welcome to Jordan - Arrival COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid tipping your guide and driver is an entirely transfer Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- personal gesture. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is mailed to [email protected] or you included. For all clients arriving into Amman can upload your vaccination history Alcohol Queen Alia International airport to start their yourself via our traveller login. https:// Our hotels in Amman and the Dead Sea do Jordan holiday (not applicable to Highlights of www.onthegotours.com/Login serve alcohol. Expect that our hotels in Petra Israel & Jordan tour). and Madaba not to serve alcohol and this is The information you will need to upload most definitely the case during Ramadan. At If we are not arranging your visa please includes: Administering national authority or other times of the year it may be possible proceed through immigration, baggage claim government, document No, name of Vaccine, to get beer and wine. You are able to bring and customs. As you exit customs into date/s of vaccination. your own alcohol into the hotel and our camp the public arrivals hall, please look for our at Wadi Rum does not serve alcohol but representative who will be holding an On The Entrance fees again you can bring your own and your guide Go Tours logo signboard. Entry fees to sites are not included in your will make arrangements for those fancying a If we have arranged your visa for you we will holiday and are subject to change at the tipple to purchase alcohol prior to arriving at meet you PRIOR to immigration and will fast discretion of the Ministry of Tourism. There is the camp. no reduction for ISIC student card holders at track you through the process. Jordanian sites. A two day pass for Petra is Wadi Rum Desert camp Our representative will introduce you to our currently 55JD (approximately USD$77) and On all group tours in Jordan we include a driver, who will transfer you to your hotel. You a one day ticket is 50JD (approximately USD night in Wadi Rum at a Bedouin desert camp, will be given a Welcome Letter at this time $70), included in the entrance fees budget. where camping is the best way for us to which highlights the departure time for your experience the beautiful desert landscape In Jordan, we collect entrance fees on Day sightseeing program tomorrow. and stary night sky. You can choose to spend 2 of the tour, the amount is noted under the night camping under the stars or bed At the hotel reception desk, please take note exclusions on page one of this document. down in our comfortable permanent tents of the On The Go Tours information sign on On our Road to Jordan, Temples Tombs & with twin beds and linen provided, you may the counter which will tell you what time our Treasury and Pyramids Petra, Promised Land opt to bring your own sleeping bag liner. Amman Representative will be in the hotel tours entrance fees will be collected upon If visiting in winter (Nov - Mar) it can be lobby to meet with you and discuss the details your arrival to Petra or the following morning. very cold at night in the desert and you of your touring program, to give you our You can take advantage of exchanging may wish to bring your own sleeping bag for informative welcome letter and to answer any money and ATM facilities at the airport. All additional warmth. There are environmentally questions you may have. funds collected in Jordan are payable in friendly shared bathroom facilities with hot Jordanian Diner (JD). If for any reason you have trouble locating and cold running water, toilets and showers. our representative (after waiting 20 minutes Our communal tent furnished with small tables at immigration) or your flight to Jordan is Tipping kitty and a cushioned seating area, is the place delayed, please call or send a text message At the start of your holiday we will collect a tip to gather at night where we enjoy a hearty (standard text message, not Messenger or kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions on Jordanian meal and some traditional Bedouin page 1 of this document) from all participants music.

New Year's in Wadi Rum

WhatsApp) to the emergency contact number • Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel Although we only visit reputable retailers, as stated on your Tour Voucher. insurance policy, spare passport photos and a please note that we cannot explicitly photocopy of your passport guarantee the quality of their products. All Visas & passports • Good walking shoes for sightseeing in Petra purchases made whilst on holiday with us are Visa requirements are subject to change and • If visiting Wadi Mujib Siq trail/canyon you'll at your own discretion. Please make sure that visa procurement is the responsibility of the need clothing and footwear that can get wet. you are completely happy with your purchase. traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please Ideally a t-shirt and shorts or swimmers and On The Go cannot be held responsible for be advised visa requirements are subject trainers/walking shoes that will spend most of any items that you buy if they fail to meet to change, therefore it is essential that you the walk submerged expectation, or any shipping arrangements. check current visa requirements with the • Binoculars IMPORTANT - are considered Proceed with caution. embassy before travel. Please ensure that as surveillance equipment. Should you be your passport is valid for at least 6 months carrying binoculars, expect that you'll be It's not like home, what to from your planned date of departure from asked to hand these over briefly at times expect & Ramadan Jordan. After booking your holiday, please (with your passport) by police or military for Please visit www.onthegotours.com/Jordan/ provide us with your passport details as soon inspection. You should not be concerned Travel-tips-and-useful-info for local customs, as possible so that we can proceed to book by the event, as this is merely a routine currency, WiFi and other helpful information to all services. inspection of the item prepare you for an enjoyable holiday.

As a registered holiday operator we are able Petra Park services charge RAMADAN to obtain Jordan tourist visas free of charge The cost of the entrance ticket to Petra Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by (conditions apply). For information about includes a compulsory 7JD fee to ride an Muslims throughout the world and adherents visas, head to www.onthegotours.com/ Arabian horse. This Government-approved of the Muslim faith fast during daylight hours Jordan/Visas. directive is in support of the local Bedouin and break their fast with lavish meals and lively celebrations in the evening. Many On departure (via land or sea), a 10JD who own the horses and also live in the shops (excluding those which cater mainly departure tax of is applied to all visitors. If surrounding town of Wadi Musa. As you have to tourists) and attractions close earlier, as departing Jordan by air, the departure tax is paid this obligatory charge, you are indeed such we will start our tour earlier to make included in the airfare. entitled to ride a horse 800 metres down to the entrance gate at Petra. However, please the best use of time and itineraries may Health requirements & water be aware that you'll need to tip the horse be slightly altered to ensure we visit all attractions, leisure time will be offered in You should seek medical advice for handler an extra 2JD. IMPORTANT- On The the afternoon. Non-Muslims are not expected vaccinations and about medications before Go Tours only recommends that you do so if to fast over Ramadan, but it is considered travelling. you are an experienced rider. The decision to ride a horse is a personal one. impolite to eat food or drink on the street. Tap water is not safe to drink in Jordan, only NOTE: Traffic is exceptionally heavy during drink bottled mineral water which is readily Shopping in Jordan Ramadan, especially toward the time of available from hotels, shops and restaurants. Jordan offers a range of quality souvenirs. breaking the fast. Forthcoming Ramadan Look out for high-quality artefacts including dates are: 12 Apr – 11 May 2021 (approx) Essential packing rugs, pottery, paintings, jewellery, embroidery Please check local temperatures so and woven items produced by local Jordanian you can pack accordingly. Visit women under the auspices of the Noor-Al www.worldclimate.com Hussein Foundation and the Queen Alia Fund. • Camping at Wadi Rum - All bedding (of a Dead Sea products of all guises, olive oil and well-laundered standard) is provided at our soaps, sweetmeats and olive wood are also Bedouin camp. It is a personal choice should uniquely Jordanian souvenirs. you wish to bring your own sleep sheet or sleeping bag In the tourism industry it’s common practice • Pack insect repellent, torch or headlamp if for commission to be offered in exchange for staying in Wadi Rum recommending particular shops or suppliers. • If visiting in winter pack warm clothes,hat, This can become an issue when clients feel scarf and gloves are advised and an umbrella obliged to purchase. We do our best to avoid • In summer bring lightweight clothing, this by monitoring all shopping experiences sunscreen and a hat offered. • Universal travel adaptor