Tour Explore Jordan & Saudi Arabia: Ancient Trade Routes

Hygieneprotocol

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Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts), Bedouin desert camp (1 nt), local family farm camp (2 nts).

Meals

11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

Others

Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Bedouin Camp Overnight, Wadi Rum Your Foodie Moment: Yemeni Food Experience, Al ‘Ulayyā’ Your Foodie Moment: Jeddah City Tour, Jeddah. Jerash guided tour. Dead Sea visit. Visit Madaba mosaics and Mt Nebo. Karak Castle guided tour. Petra guided tour. Wadi Rum 4x4 excursion. Red Sea stay. Entrance fees in all included tours. Border crossing between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Visit to Al Bad. Walk through Jimal Hisma, the Wadi Rum of Saudi Arabia. Tour of Wadi Dissa by 4x4. Visit to UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. City tour of Medina and Jeddah. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Transport

Private van, 4x4 pickup truck & jeep, high-speed train, walking.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Not included:

Optional

Dead Sea - Site of Jesus’ Baptism (18JOD per person) - Mud Baths (3JOD per person) Petra - Turkish Bath (20JOD per person) - Petra by Night (17JOD per person) Wādī Mūsá - Siq al-Barid (Little Petra) Visit (8JOD per person) Wadi Rum - Wadi Rum 4x4 Excursion Extension (70JOD per group)

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Amman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Amman

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting followed by an optional group dinner. Amman is a very big city and there is not one central area to stay - hotels are spread out across various neighbourhoods within the city. For this reason, to move around the city in your free time, you will have to take a taxi, please feel free to ask your CEO for recommendations and assistance.

Accommodation:
- Mena Tyche Hotel Amman (or similar).

Included Activities:
- Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
Day 2 Day 2: Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman (1B)

Guided visit to the ancient Roman town of Jerash followed by a visit to the Dead Sea.
Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy.

Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus’ baptism.

Accommodation:
- Mena Tyche Hotel Amman (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 01:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Jerash Guided Visit
- Dead Sea Visit
Day 3 Day 3: Amman/Karak/Petra (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Amman/Karak/Petra (1B, 1L)

Start the day with a guided visit to the intricate Madaba mosaics, enjoying the panoramic views from Mt Nebo and a visit to the crusader castle at Karak. Stop at a G Adventures- supported community cafe for lunch, then continue to Wadi Musa for the evening.
Depart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views.

Enjoy lunch at Safi Kitchen. The kitchen is a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create opportunities for members of the local community. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission.

Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades.

Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.

Accommodation:
- Seven Wonders Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Amman to Wādī Mūsá 03:00 - 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Madaba Mosaics Guided Tour
- Mt Nebo Visit
- Al Safi Community Lunch
- Karak Castle Guided Visit
Day 4 Day 4: Petra (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Petra (1B)

Start early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your CEO, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. This evening, opt to visit a Turkish bath or visit Petra by night.
The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.

Accommodation:
- Seven Wonders Hotel (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Petra Guided Tour
Day 5 Day 5: Petra/Wadi Rum (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Petra/Wadi Rum (1B, 1D)

Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning before continuing to Wadi Rum. Head out for a 4x4 excursion during the day before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp.
Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way.

Arrive to the camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.

Accommodation:
- Al Zawaydah Desert Camp (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Wadi Rum 4x4 Excursion
- Bedouin Camp Overnight

Additional Notes: Accommodation in the desert is in individual cabins that are all attached. Each room contains a bathroom and basic linens are provided, but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort. For religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp.
Day 6 Day 6: Wadi Rum To Al’Bad And Tabuk (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Wadi Rum To Al’Bad And Tabuk (1B, 1L)

Today we leave our camp early to transfer to the Durra Border crossing south of Aqaba. Once we clear border formalities we will drive and meet our 4x4 vehicle so that we can deeply explore this rural part of Saudi Arabia. The group will explore the ancient site of Al Bad’ also know as Madyan. This land is said to be the area where Moses found refuge after being exiled from Egypt, a region that has for millenniums been at the heart of the Arabian trade routes.
We enjoy our picnic lunch as we visit Al Bad’, site of the ancient city of Madyan until the Middle-Ages. The archaeological site dates from the 2nd Century BCE. The city was active during the Nabatean, Roman, and Islamic periods. See The Well of Moses and watch the sunset over the surrounding valley before ending the day in Tabuk.

Accommodation:
- Swiss Inn Tabuk (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:15 - 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Al Bad’ & Jethro’s tombs Visit
Day 7 Day 7: Jibal Hisma (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Jibal Hisma (1B, 1L)

Travel to Jibal Hisma, a spectacular range of red sand dunes, giant sandstone mountain, and an impressive landscape that will feel like it’s all yours. Here we will travel by 4x4 and stop for a hike/walk, and to explore the landscape with interesting rock shapes.
Jibal Hisma (Jimal Hisma) is the Saudi version of Wadi Rum but left undisturbed for the last millennium. The red sand dunes and giant sandstone mountain protect rock art dating back to the Nabateans. The site is only accessible by 4x4. Small farm families and herdsmen call the region home, with luck we may encounter their herds as we explore.

Accommodation:
- Swiss Inn Tabuk (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Private Vehicle

Included Activities:
- Jibal Hisma Visit
Day 8 Day 8: Tabuk To Al’ Ula Via Wadi Dissah (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Tabuk To Al’ Ula Via Wadi Dissah (1B, 1L, 1D)

After breakfast we continue our journey south towards Al Ula. En route we stop to explore the natural beauty in Wadi Dissa (Disah), sometimes referred to as Wadi Qaraqir. Here our 4x4 allows us to drive deep into the valley that makes this Wadi so unique and green. We’ll have a picnic lunch with spectacular views again today. In the late afternoon we head out and arrive into Al Ula just as the sun starts setting.
Explore a very unique area in the desert on the way to Al Ula. We’ll leave the main road for the Qaraqir mountains. The area starts off dry and arid but below the rock is a spring that comes out further down the valley where it feeds the green valley known as Wadi Dissa (Sometime spelled Disah). The valley is home to small farms and herds of goats and sheep.

Accommodation:
- Sahary Resort (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Wadi Dissah Canyon Visit

Additional Notes: Our camp is a private farm camp run by a local family and is only for our use. Tents have comfortable cots and power. Bathrooms and showers are shared.
Day 9 Day 9: Al’ Ula (1B, 1L, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Al’ Ula (1B, 1L, 1D)

Today our focus is entirely on Al Ula. Start off with a walk along the Heritage Oasis Trail. You’ll see the beauty of this little old town, tall palms in a historic archway of a mud brick house, or the lush green farms. We spend a few hours exploring Hegra, the main site of Al Ula on a structured visit, before meeting a local farm owner and exploring their farm. We end the day at Elephant rock to enjoy the sunset and the desert night sky.
Walk along the Oasis trail. Stop at a stall selling freshly squeezed juice, hang out on a palm swing and enjoy the beautiful setting. Later, visit the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh. Hegra was a principal Frankincense route town built by the Nabataeans, a spectacular site that can’t be missed. After a farm lunch, walk around the farm with the owner and learn about local life and agriculture, gaining insight into the life of a local Saudi Farmer. This evening, head over to elephant rock for sunset. Enjoy the transition from sunset colours to night sky and see the illuminated stone formations. We end the day with dinner featuring local Yemeni specialties.

Accommodation:
- Sahary Resort (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Hegra Tour (Madain Saleh)
- Lunch in a Local Farm
- Elephant Rock for Sunset
- Yemeni Food Experience
Day 10 Day 10: Al’ Ula To Medina (Medinah) (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Al’ Ula To Medina (Medinah) (1B)

From Al Ula to Medina we drive along the desert used by pilgrims for centuries as they made their way to Medina. In Medina we’ll learn about the founding of Islam and the Holy Cities. The group will have an opportunity to see the first two mosques built by the Prophet and learn about the pilgrimages. Its unique insight into local culture.
Set out on an early morning drive from Al Ula to Medina. Upon arrival visit the International Fair and the Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization. This is near the Holy Mosque which you will be able to take photos of from the outside. Then, visit Qiba Street which connects the two oldest mosques, the Holy and the Qiba You will only be seeing these mosques from the outside. Spend the later afternoon and evening at your own leisure.

Accommodation:
- Gacine Hotel Medina (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Medina City Tour
Day 11 Day 11: Medina/Jeddah (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Medina/Jeddah (1B)

Today, go a bit more local. Start by taking the high speed train from Medina to Jeddah. In Jeddah we explore the corniche where locals go to cool off and share favourite foods. Then head into the old city and experience what the Jeddah looked like only 50 years ago. End the visit of the old town by tasting some truly local Jeddah specialties.
Hop on a train this morning from Medina to Jeddah. After lunch on the corniche, where you might want to try the Saudi version of KFC known as Al Baik, the group will go on a city tour of Jeddah. Stop at the most famous monuments, like the world’s tallest flag pole, fountain, and open air museum. Then, go towards the beach to see the floating mosque and the waterfront. End the day exploring Jedda’s Historical Old City, Al Balad. Which was founded in the 7th century and historically served as the center of Jeddah, another UNESCO World Heritage site. End the visit of the old town by tasting some local specialties. Then, take advantage of free time in the evening to walk along the waterfront and grab a bite to eat for you final night in Saudi Arabia.

Accommodation:
- ibis Jeddah Malik Road (or similar).

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Train 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Al Balad Tour
- Jeddah City Tour
Day 12 Day 12: Jeddah (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Jeddah (1B)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

12 days tour

Explore Jordan & Saudi Arabia: Ancient Trade Routes

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Explore Jordan & Saudi Arabia: Ancient Trade Routes

Day 1: Amman

Day 2: Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman (1B)

Day 3: Amman/Karak/Petra (1B, 1L)

Day 4: Petra (1B)

Day 5: Petra/Wadi Rum (1B, 1D)

Day 6: Wadi Rum To Al’Bad And Tabuk (1B, 1L)

Day 7: Jibal Hisma (1B, 1L)

Day 8: Tabuk To Al’ Ula Via Wadi Dissah (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 9: Al’ Ula (1B, 1L, 1D)

Day 10: Al’ Ula To Medina (Medinah) (1B)

Day 11: Medina/Jeddah (1B)

Day 12: Jeddah (1B)

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