Jordan Family Holiday
Jordan Family Holiday
Jordan Family Holiday
8 Days Starting in Amman and ending in Amman - Dana Nature Reserve - Little Petra
Visiting: Amman/Jerash, Amman, Amman - Madaba - Dana Village - Petra, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Dead Sea
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ERFJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Delve into the magical ancient world of Jordan on this exhilarating family adventure! This tour has been specially designed to highlight the most exciting corners of Jordan, from historical Jerash to magnificent Petra, from Wadi Rum desert to the blissful Red Sea coast. With a carefully weighted balance of activities and down time, your family will love this cultural Middle Eastern odyssey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Amman/Jerash
Location: Amman/Jerash
Accommodation: Khan Khediwe Hotel or similar
Meals Included: dinner
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.Â
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.
Day 2: Amman
Location: Amman
Accommodation: Khan Khediwe Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Amman - Madaba - Dana Village - Petra
Location: Amman - Madaba - Dana Village - Petra
Accommodation: Seven Wonders Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
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 onto Petra to spend the night.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Petra
Location: Petra
Accommodation: Seven Wonders Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Wadi Rum
Location: Wadi Rum
Accommodation: Desert camp
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Aqaba
Location: Aqaba
Accommodation: Captain's Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Dead Sea
Location: Dead Sea
Accommodation: Holiday Inn or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Amman
Location: Amman
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Desert camp (1 night), Resort (1 night). -
Jerash - Roman ruins
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Alloun - Ajloun Reserve Walk
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Dana - Village visit
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Petra - Little Petra
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Petra - Guided tour
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Petra - Cooking Class
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Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
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Dead Sea - visit and swim
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 5 dinners
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Private Minivan , Jeep
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
- Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.
- Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.
- Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.
- While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.
- GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
- Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
- Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
- Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.
Included Activities
- Jerash - Roman ruins
- Dana Village visit
- Petra - Guided tour
- Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari and desert camp
- Petra - Little Petra
- Dead Sea - Visit including lunch
Important Information
- FAMILY TRIP:Â Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
- MIMIMUM AGE: Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
- DISCOUNT:Â A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Desert Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- Private Minivan
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
There are some long travel days on this trip, with driving times adding up to between six and eight hours. This is a good opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and soak up the diverse scenery.
It’s important to prepare for hot temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening, particularly in the desert. Layers are the one of the best ways to tackle this disparity in weather. Water, hats and comfortable shoes for lots of walking around sites like Petra are recommended. Also pack some warmer clothes for the winter season.
Jordan requires a certain level of modesty in terms of clothing, although on the beach the usual swimwear is acceptable.
Please be aware that consumption of alcohol outside of approved venues or in the streets is illegal. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions