Jordan & Oman

Jordan

• Go snorkelling in the clear waters of the Red Sea
• Share morning tea with Bedouins in the spectacular Wadi Rum valley
• Visit the 2,000-year-old rock-carved city of Petra
• Float in the ‘largest natural spa’ in the world – the Dead Sea
• Enjoy a barbeque on the shores of the Dead Sea at sunset
• Visit King Hussein’s car museum
• Explore the Roman ruins at the ancient city of Jerash

Oman

• Wander through the Labyrinthine souk of Mutrah
• Enjoy dinner on a dhow cruise at sunset on the Gulf of Oman
• Watch giant green sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach
• Enjoy a night of luxury amid the stars and dunes of a desert camp
• View the amazing ‘Grand Canyon’ of Arabia near Jebel Shams
• Gaze at pastures where rare frankincense trees are found
• Discover Salalah, the ‘perfume capital’ of Arabia
• See the wonderful Yemeni architecture of Mirbat

Inclusions

• All international flights
• Internal flights in Jordan and Oman
• All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
• All accommodation (twin share)
• All transfers
• All local transportation
• All meals as specified
• Expert local tour guides
• Travel Directors’ Tour leader throughout
• All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
• Visas and courier fees
• All tips and gratuities

Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs. A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, and a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 paid at the time of booking. All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.

06/10/2024 Australia – Dubai

Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Dubai.

07/10/2024 Dubai – Salalah (D)

On arrival in Dubai connect with the flight to Salalah.

Depart Dubai Emirates EK 2026, 16.20

Arrive Salalah 18.15

On arrival in Salalah we transfer to our hotel.

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Salalah

08/10/2024 Salalah (BLD)

Salalah is the second largest city in Oman and is the capital of the southern province of Dhofar. Known as the ‘perfume capital of Arabia’, Salalah has many attractions, both natural and man-made. Outside of the city herds of cattle graze on lush green pastures that are lined with magnificent frankincense trees from which the aromatic resin is used in the production of oils and incense. Today we explore the Heritage Souk, where we find different types of Omani crafts and incense burners, while the New Souk is a great example of a modern Arabian market. Passing typical Dhofari houses with caravan windows and doors, we reach the Old Souk which has a vast array of Frankincense, Dhofari traditional clothes and cosmetics.

09/10/2024 Salalah – Mirbat – Salalah (BLD)

Today we drive east of Salalah to the sardine-producing village of Taqa, renowned for its 19^th century castle, and not far from the ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba. We take the coastal road to Mirbat, formerly an important breeding centre for Arabian horses, and centre of the slave trade. Here, at the foot of the Qara Mountains, the streets are lined with old merchant houses, notable for their classic Yemeni style architecture of carved doors and windows. This is the home of the Jebali people who own the huge camel and cattle herds that now surround us. Late afternoon we return to Salalah.

10/10/2024 Salalah – Muscat – Nizwa (BLD)

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the flight to Muscat.

Depart Salalah Oman Air WY 904, 11.30

Arrive Muscat 13.10

On arrival in Muscat we board our coach for the 90 minute drive to Nizwa. The capital of Oman from 751 to 1154 AD, Nizwa is still regarded as its cultural capital, and this afternoon we enjoy a walking tour including the 17th  century  fort and the souk.

Golden Tulip Hotel

Nizwa

11/10/2024 Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar – Nizwa (BLD)

Today we drive to around 3,000 metres to the Jebal Akhdar. Meaning ‘Green Mountain’  and part of the mighty Al Hajar mountain range, Jebel Akhdar area encompasses the Saiq Plateau. The area has been designated a nature reserve to protect its biodiversity and although a stark and dry landscape, it is also home to flourishing orchards growing apricots, pomegranates and walnuts, as well as other fruits.

12/10/2024 Nizwa – Jebel Shams – Nizwa (BLD)

After breakfast we head north through the mountains to the Al Hamra mountain range and the highest peak in Oman, Jebel Shams (3,000m). Along the track to the summit of Jebel Shams we encounter an astonishing view down a sheer drop of 1000m to the bottom of the ‘Grand Canyon’, Oman’s own and equally spectacular version of its American counterpart. Late afternoon we return to Nizwa.

13/10/2024 Nizwa – Wahiba (BLD)

Leaving Nizwa, we drive south east and soon begin to cross the incredibly barren sands that are actually home to a phenomenal amount of life and an exotic diversity of fauna including dragonflies, wolf, two species of Ruppell’s fox, wild cats, and white-tailed mongooses. Some 115 species of birds have also been recorded here including the elusive Arabian and Sand Gazelles. Like a great ocean of sand, the endless dunes are an alluring landscape of changing contours and colours. Red at the base and honey coloured on the top, the dunes can rise to 200 metres in height and are home to the Bedu nomadic tribesmen who roam the land with goats and camels. An exhilarating drive across the dunes brings us to our desert camp in the Wahiba Sands where we enjoy a spectacular sunset as we prepare for a night under the desert sky.

Desert Night Camp

Wahiba

14/10/2024 Wahiba Sands – Ras Al Hadd (BLD)

Early this morning as the last of the desert mists begin to fade, we leave the shifting sands of Wahiba behind us and begin our drive to the coast and Ras Al Hadd. This is one of  the few nesting places of the giant green sea turtle, and this evening we head down to the beach to watch these majestic creatures come ashore to lay their eggs under the light of the stars.

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Resort

Ras Al Hadd

15/10/2024  Ras Al Hadd – Sur – Muscat (BLD)

This morning we leave the resort for the short walk to the turtle nesting ground. This gives us the opportunity to see the turtles in daylight as they make their way back to the ocean. We then begin our drive north to the port of Sur. Once a major trading port with East Africa, Sur embodies the seafaring origins of Oman. We visit the shipbuilding yard where traditional dhow boats, used throughout the 19th century, are still built today. We continue our journey north along the rugged coastline before turning inland and arriving into Muscat late afternoon.

Intercontinental Hotel

Muscat

16/10/2024 Muscat (BLD)

Lying on the Arabian Sea, the historic port of Muscat is the capital of Oman and the largest urban settlement in the country. Contrasting with the sleepy and sparsely inhabited deserts of Oman’s interior, it is easily the Gulf’s most attractive city. Muscat is an old walled town and is surrounded by a horseshoe ring of mountains that is a natural barrier to expansion of the city. The seaward face of Muscat is dominated by the Portuguese fortresses of Merani and Jalali which were built in 1587. This mix of ancient and modern is a constant theme of Muscat as we see houses, gates, old markets, small shops and small winding roads, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings and streets with an eclectic mix of architecture. Oman thus preserves its historic character and at the same time enjoys a contemporary spirit. On arrival into Muscat we transfer to our hotel. After lunch we stroll along the waterfront of Mutrah, Muscat’s oldest quarter, and into the labyrinthine passageways of the Mutrah souk, which has the best fish markets on the Gulf as well as a multitude of jewellery and craft stalls.

17/10/2024 Muscat (BLD)

After breakfast we visit the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which houses the second-largest carpet in the world. This hand-made marvel contains 1.7 billion knots, weighs 21 tonnes and took 400 weavers more than four years to make. Later we explore the superb Natural History Museum and the colourful local bazaar before taking a dhow cruise on the sparkling waters of the Gulf.

18/10/2024  Muscat – Amman (BLD)

This morning is at leisure. Late morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Amman.

Depart Muscat Oman Air WY413, 14.10

Arrive Amman 16.50

On arrival in Amman we transfer to our hotel.

Rotana Amman Hotel

Amman

19/10/2024 Amman (BLD)

Amman is a city straddling seven hills where modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilisations. The mass of gleaming white houses, kebab stalls and tiny cafes where rich Arabian coffee is sipped, conjure up a mood straight out of 1001 Nights. This morning we take a city tour. After lunch we embark on an excursion to the ancient city of Jerash – a close second to Petra on the list of must-see destinations in Jordan. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule and is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.

20/10/2024 Amman – Dead Sea (BLD)

After breakfast we head south to the Dead Sea. En-route we visit Madaba and Mt Nebo for stunning views across the sea to Israel. Continuing on our journey, we arrive at the Dead Sea. Described as the ‘largest natural spa’ in the world, the Dead Sea, at 400m below sea level, is the lowest point on earth. Possessing its own micro-climate, it contains more salt and minerals than any other sea in the world.

Hilton Hotel

Dead Sea

21/10/2024 Dead Sea – Petra (BLD)

This morning we have the chance to float in the Dead Sea and experience the healing and rejuvenating properties of its famous black mud. After lunch we board our coach for the three hour journey south to Petra.

Old Village Petra Hotel

Petra

22/10/2024  Petra (BLD)

Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, the 2,000-year-old rock-carved city of Petra is full of mystery. The approach through the cool gloom of the Siq, a long narrow chasm, provides a dramatic contrast to the magic that follows. Suddenly the gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra’s most famous monument, the Khasneh, with its unmistakable intricate facade. British explorer, Rose Macaulay, wrote in 1953: ‘If ever a dead city held romance it is Petra … hewn out of ruddy rock in the midst of a mountain wilderness … this lost caravan city staggers even the most experienced traveller.’

23/10/2024 Petra – Wadi Rum (BLD)

After breakfast we drive south to the spectacular valley of Wadi Rum. This is a magnificent desert with uniquely shaped mountains rising out of the rose-red sand. We enjoy a camel ride before sharing lunch with the desert-dwelling Bedouins. Our home for the night is a luxury tented camp nestled amongst the red rocks and sands of the desert.

Sun City Bedouin Camp

Wadi Rum

24/10/2024  Wadi Rum – Aqaba (BLD)

This morning we experience the thrill of waking up in the tranquillity of the desert, before heading out on a three hour jeep safari through the red sands of Wadi Rum. Later we drive to Aqaba and transfer to our hotel. After lunch we enjoy an afternoon city tour of Aqaba.

Hyatt Regency Aqaba Hotel

Aqaba

25/10/2024 Aqaba – Pharoah Island – Aqaba (BLD

The Red Sea has some of the most beautiful coral in the world and today we have a chance to experience this amazing part of the world as we take a relaxing boat ride to Pharaoh Island. The blueness and clarity of the Red Sea is dazzling: it is truly one of the planet’s most exotic and fascinating natural seascape environments. We have the opportunity to go snorkelling in the clear waters, which is a truly remarkable experience.

26/10/2024 Aqaba – Amman – Dubai – Australia (BL)

After breakfast we drive north to Amman and transfer to the airport for our homeward flight.

Depart Amman Emirates, EK 904, 18.00

Arrive Dubai 22.00

27/10/2024 Dubai – Australia

On arrival in Dubai connect with the flight to your chosen Australian capital city.

Are there dress requirements for women?

It is recommended that women dress conservatively with shoulders and knees covered.

Is the water safe to drink en route and what is the general standard of hygiene?

We err on the side of caution on all of our tours and advise travellers to drink only bottled water. This is easy to obtain everywhere. The standard of hygiene is high along the entire route.

Do I need vaccinations for this journey?

Tetanus should certainly be up to date, and we recommend you seek advice from your doctor.

What is the standard of hotels on this tour?

Generally they are three to five star.  In remote areas we use the best available. Most are centrally located and all have wifi. We have chosen our hotels on this tour with great care and the criteria for selection is based on ambience, historical significance and location.

If I travel alone, do I have to pay the single supplement?

If you wish to have sole use of a hotel room on the tour, you will need to pay the single supplement. If you are travelling alone but willing to share a room, we will endeavour to match you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. We cannot guarantee that a share-match can be provided, and in the event that this cannot be arranged at the time of final payment, you will need to pay the single supplement.

What will the climate be like in October?

The temperature during October averages 29C degrees during the day, with a possible maximum of around 35, dropping to a low of 13 at night. A full temperature guide covering the entire journey will be provided in the tour handbook which we send out in the weeks prior to departure.

What currency do I need to take?

US dollars in small denominations, clean and post 2006.

How much spending money will I need for the entire trip?

Because almost everything is included, we would recommend an amount of $800 USD per person.

Are ATMs available?

ATMs are available in the major cities along the route.

Do mobile phones work?

Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone should work in both countries.

A lot of companies have many expensive optional extras on their tours. Do you?

We don’t believe in a lot of expensive ‘optional tours’. Our itineraries are designed to make the best possible use of time and to include all the must-see sights, plus additional surprises. Therefore practically everything is included in the tour cost.

How much should we tip the guides and porters?

There is no need to tip guides or porters as all tips and gratuities are included in the tour cost.

Listed below is a selection of books which you may wish to read prior to, or during, your journey.

Lion of Jordan: The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace

H J A Sire

Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life

Queen Noor

A History of Jordan

Philip Robins

Petra and the Lost Kingdom of the Nabataeans

Jane Taylor

A History of Modern Oman

Jeremy Jones/Nicholas Ridou

The Turtle of Oman

Naomi Shihab Nye

Oman Reborn: Balancing Tradition and Modernization

Linda Pappas Funsch