A small group journey for women

Jewels of Jordan

01 November 2024

Discover the jewels of Jordan!

Designed to dovetail perfectly with ‘Treasures of Egypt’, or to be undertaken as a stand-alone foray, this tour of Jordan is a brief but comprehensive journey through one of the most historic, spiritual and mystifying destinations in the Middle East.

Beginning in Amman we will witness the impact that waves of Romans, Crusaders, Christians and Muslims have had on the history and culture of Jordan. In Petra we’ll explore the ancient lost city on horseback (optional) and on foot, marveling at the immense structures carved into the sandstone. Jumping into 4WDs we’ll discover Wadi Rum – the eerily beautiful desert brought to fame by Lawrence of Arabia and will spend a night beneath a star-studded sky in a Bedouin-tented camp.  Our journey ends at the Dead Sea where we will float weightlessly in the mineral-rich waters and relax by the gorgeous infinity pool. Throughout we’ll stay in a selection of stylish hotels and will be embraced by the warmth of Jordan’s legendary hospitality. Travel through time and discover the ancient wonders of this enchanting land.

You will love

  • The Lost City of Petra
  • Floating in the Dead Sea
  • Jerash & dinner with a Jordanian family
  • 4WD Desert Adventure
  • Overnight in otherwordly Wadi Rum
  • Visiting Mount Nebo
  • Spiritually satisfying
  • Small group of likeminded ladies

Where Ancient History Meets Modern Wonders

DAY 1 | FRI 21 FEB | AMMAN | 2 NIGHTS - Fairmont Amman

Marhaba and welcome to Jordan!  On arrival in Amman we will be met at the airport, assisted through the customs and immigration procedures and driven to the Fairmont Amman, where we will stay for two nights.  Enjoy a welcome dinner on arrival.

Meals :  Dinner

 

DAY 2 | SAT 22 FEB | AMMAN

This morning we drive 60km north of Amman through the Ajlun mountains, famous for their lush vegetation, olive groves, and thick green pine forests, winding our way through this pretty scenery to reach the ancient Greco-Roman city of Jerash – Jordan’s largest and most interesting Roman site.   A guided tour of the Amman Citadel followed by a visit to the Roman Theatre, one of the biggest in Jordan seating 6,000 people and complete with two small museums follows before we take a walk through the city visiting different local markets and tasting local traditional sweets.  This evening we will enjoy a traditional cooking experience and a home-hosted dinner with a Jordanian family.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

DAY 3 | SUN 23 FEB | WADI RUM | 1 NIGHT - Bedouin Tented Camp

Today explore south of Amman with a visit Madaba and Mount Nebo. The town of Madaba is known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, the most famous of which is a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Meanwhile Mount Nebo is the highest in the Moabite mountain range and the panoramic view across the holy land from the summit is breathtaking.  Delving into ‘Lawrence of Arabia’s’ desert we will travel by 4WD through the silent ancient riverbed landscape of Wadi Rum with its huge sandstone and granite outcrops, deep canyons and fissures to reach our Bedouin Tented Camp.  We’ll spend this evening beneath a blanket of stars in this starkly beautiful environment housed in our incredible ‘Bubble Tents’.  Be prepared that the design doesn’t offer much privacy – but the view is absolutely worth it!

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

DAY 4 | MON 24 FEB | PETRA | 2 NIGHTS - Movenpick Resort Petra

If you’re an early bird, the sunrise over Wadi Rum, or the ‘Valley of the Moon’, is breathtaking. After a leisurely breakfast, we will depart for Wadi Musa – the town at the very entrance to the Red Rose City of Petra.  On arrival we will visit the modern, impressive Petra Museum, showcasing the antiquities of the Nabataean city of Petra. The museum is sometimes called the “new” Petra Museum because an earlier museum once stood inside the archaeological park.  The museum explains Nabataean history through eight galleries – each displaying a part of Petra’s history – with about 3,000 artifacts on display. The museum also provides a glimpse into the  Bedouin way of life and it has a great shop!

After checking in to our hotel the afternoon is at leisure. You may choose to relax by the swimming pool or indulge in the spa.  There are some great stores along the main street if you wish to shop.  This evening we will walk to the Cave Bar. Touted to be the oldest bar location in the world, it is entombed in a rock carved by Nabateans nearly 2,000 years ago.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

 

DAY 5 | TUES 25 FEB | PETRA

As one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, Petra requires little introduction.  Our day will begin walking through the incredible canyons to reach the Siq – the narrow gorge, over 1km in length,  flanked on either side by soaring 80m high cliffs that lead to Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), whose towering façade bedecked with magnificent columns was made famous in the final sequence of the popular Hollywood film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  We’ll have the opportunity to pose for a truly Insta-worthy shot opposite the Treasury and to wander the many market stalls selling everything from sand art to beautiful silver jewellery.  And whilst reaching the Treasury is surely a highlight, throughout the day we will also view royal tombs,  the great Temple, and Petra Church. Seeing Petra’s immense structures carved into the sandstone rock face is humbling and awe-inspiring – a wonder of the world that must be seen to be believed!  Dinner is hosted this evening in our hotel.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

 

DAY 6 | WED 26 FEB | THE DEAD SEA | 2 NIGHTS - Kempinski Hotel Dead Sea

Leaving Petra behind this morning we will navigate a deep and majestic chasm through the rugged highlands that drain into the Dead Sea along the Kings Highway, to visit Kerak Castle – the largest late Islamic castle in Jordan. Kerak Castle was once one of the key strongholds of the Crusaders in the region. It was built in the 1140s and is an intriguing maze dominated by stone-vaulted halls and seemingly endless passageways, with the best-preserved passageways underground.

Later we’ll make our way to the lowest point on Earth – the Dead Sea, where we will watch the spectacular sunset from the terrace of our residence for the next two nights – the Kempinski Hotel.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

DAY 7 | THU 27 FEB | THE DEAD SEA

The Dead Sea is one of the most intriguing natural phenomena on Earth.  This saltwater lake is almost completely devoid of life and due to its high salt content it has powerful healing properties. Its healing waters have been sought after since Biblical times and it is widely recognised as the biggest free spa on Earth!

Today we will float in the healing turquoise waters.  You may also wish to indulge in our hotel spa, voted the best in Jordan, offering six outdoor individual treatment areas, sauna, whirlpool, Tepidarium heated lounges and the largest hydro‐pool in the Dead Sea – there could be no better way to spend the day!

And we will end our day with a fancy farewell dinner this evening! 

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

 

DAY 8 | FRI 28 FEB | DAY OF DEPARTURE

This morning is at leisure to pack & prepare for our departure mid-afternoon.  You may wish to plunge back into the salty sea, shop in the hotel boutiques, enjoy a final indulgence in the spa, or simply relax by the pool.  We will be transferred to Amman International Airport for departure (2 hours by road).

Meals: Breakfast

 

If you are keen to extend your exploration of the Middle East you may wish to take a look at our pre-tour journey ‘Treasures of Egypt’ or our post-tour add-on ‘Oh My! Oman – an Arabian Adventure’

Detailed itineraries for all our departures are available on request – please click here

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

Fairmont Hotel – Amman

Fairmont Amman is the most glamorous hotel in Jordan's capital. With a contemporary design, unparalleled views of the stunning Amman hills, a diverse choice of restaurants and just a short drive from vibrant downtown and historical sites it is the ideal choice. Read More

NEED TO KNOW

7 nights | 22 February - 01 March 2025

7 nights
22 February - 01 March 2025

USD $4,200 per person twin share | USD $1,150 single supplement

USD $4,200 per person twin share
USD $1,150 single supplement

START: Amman     |     Finish: Amman

We recommend flying with Emirates via Dubai. Please call to discuss your individual flight requirements.

Australia & New Zealand passport holders require a visa for Jordan for a stay of up to 30 days. a ‘Visit Jordan Pass’ provides entry to all historical sites and includes the cost of a visa.  We will apply online prior to arrival and all application details will be shared on confirmation of your participation.

If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport please be sure to let us know and we will advise if there are any visa requirements.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY

  • Seven nights in stunning hotels & a luxury tented camp
  • Explore the vibrant capital city of Amman & its bustling markets, ancient citadel, and vibrant street art scene
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra – a New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Stand in awe of Al-Khazneh – ‘The Treasury’– Petra’s most famous site
  • Wander the well-preserved Roman ruins of Jerash, showcasing ancient architecture.
  • Marvel at Madaba’s Byzantine & Umayyad mosaics, including the famous Madaba Map
  • Stand on Mount Nebo – the Biblical site where Moses viewed the Promised Land
  • 4WD exploration of the vast desert of Wadi Rum with its stunning rock formations
  • Visit the lowest point on Earth – the Dead Sea and float in its unique, buoyant water
  • Therapeutic, and fun, mud bath at the Dead Sea
  • Experience Bedouin culture in Wadi Rum
  • Indulge in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, including Mansaf, falafel, hummus & delicious Jordanian desserts like knafeh.
  • Ride camels through the other-worldly desert of Wadi Rum
  • Enjoy modern amenities alongside historical sites and traditional neighbourhoods
  • Channel your inner ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ visiting sites where these iconic movies were filmed
  • Experience the warmth & hospitality of a Jordanian family, including a traditional cooking class in their home
  • Plenty of retail therapy opportunities!
  • Travelling with a small group of like-minded ladies
  • And even more surprises…..

Inclusions

  • Escorted by Sarah Hoyland, Director of The Classic Safari Company & Founder of Journeys for Women
  • 7 nights in 5 star hotels as specified (or similar)
  • 7 dinners, 4 lunches & breakfast daily
  • Bottled water whilst touring
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on dates specified to/from Emirates flights on arrival & departure days (or Egypt Air if flying in from Cairo)
  • Land transportation in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle throughout the itinerary
  • All touring as specified including all entrance fees
  • All sightseeing hosted by English speaking guide + all entrance fees to monuments outlined
  • Jordan entry visa

Exclusions

  • International air arrangements plus all applicable pre-paid departure taxes
  • Travel Insurance and individual health requirements
  • Additional meals & snacks + all drinks
  • Regional flight from Cairo to Amman if required
  • Room or flight upgrades
  • Laundry, camera fees (minimal) and personal purchases
  • Items of a personal nature & any item not specified

Minimum – 10 travellers

Maximum – 16 (plus host)


Flights & Insurance – on request

Recommended Routings to Amman | Emirates via Dubai | Etihad / Qantas via Abu Dhabi | Egypt Air ex Cairo

Terms and conditions apply – please request a copy of our Booking Form for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 16 people (plus host).
A single room supplement applies of US$1,150. Should you be willing to share please advise, however note that should no other ‘willing to share’ participant sign up you will be responsible for paying the single supplement.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at anytime prior to, or at the time of, ticketing.
By making any payment for this tour, and/or in joining this tour, you acknowledge the potential health risks & you accept full responsibility for any potential quarantine requirements.

 

Hosted by...

Sarah Hoyland

Sarah is the Founder of our Journeys for Women collection and co-Director of The Classic Safari Company. Over the years she's travelled to all seven continents, visited over 65 countries, forged global lifelong friendships and honed her haggling skills to perfection! In her own words 'I am happiest when I am lost in a souk, on safari in Africa, travelling with my daughters or when I have the privilege of viewing wild and wonderful places afresh through the eyes of the ladies I host on our womens-only soirees!'.

This trip has been incredible! Every moment of every day has blown my mindand I cannot thank you enough for your enthusiasm, your passioon & your energy. I look forward to my next Journey for Women!

Fiona K

Oh my - this trip has been so much more than I imagined. Every moment has been amazing and the memories will live on and on!

Sarah N

Sarah was full of fun, life ideas, knowledge and of course madly making it all happen seamlessly for us!! So so appreciate everything you did for us, our survey was just full points on every score because everything to do with the trip was full points on every score!

Jacquie R

OMG – what an unbelievably, amazing experience we all had. All accommodation and staff were fabulous. So blessed and so lucky – still smiling as I think about my adventure!! Thank you Sarah for such an amazing trip. I can’t begin to tell you how fabulous it was and how much of a spectacular time I had.

Dianne B

Thank you all for such a wonderful trip. It really was fabulous and your companionship made it extra special.

Marian C

That was a spectacular holiday! Can't imagine how I'll answer if I'm asked to pinpoint a standout experience. Every day was an incredible experience never to be forgotten. Thanks all for such a beautiful and special group, and huge thanks to Sarah and Iman for making it the wonderful experience that it was.

Julia K

What an incredible trip with the best crew. Still seems surreal to me. Where are we headed next?

Jenny Mc

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