Archive for Jordan-index – Page 2

The Best of Jordan in Seven Days

Private Tour of Jordan
For Guests who can afford and want the BEST

Petra, Jordan.

Petra, Jordan.
Pir6mon – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

See the top sights in Jordan on this fully escorted Private tour including Amman, Petra, Jerash, The Desert Castles, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum.

Tour

DAY 1: AMMAN – Daily – Year Round – You choose your arrival date
Arrive any day of the week, year round. Our local rep. will meet you upon arrival and help with the transfer to your hotel in Amman. Transfers are always on a private basis, with a private chauffeur and private air-conditioned vehicle.

DAY 2: MADABA, KERAK – PETRA (BLD)
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Your private guide will always escort you throughout the trip. We drive south along the King’s Highway, an ancient caravan route, to Madaba to visit the church containing the oldest known map of Palestine and the Holy Land. Continuing to Mount Nebo, we enjoy the panoramic view of the Promised Land the way Moses saw it for the first time. Further on, at Kerak, we tour the ruins of its romantic Crusaders’ castle of Renaud de Chatillon, one of a line which stretched from Aqaba to Turkey. Lunch is included enroute in a local restaurant. Finally, we arrive at PETRA. Transfers and tours are always on a private basis, with a private chauffeur, private air-conditioned vehicle, and private guide.

In the evening we will call on you for a unique experience:
Dine as a local: The Petra Kitchen is a delightful way to round out your Jordan travel experiences. Like any home kitchen, The Petra Kitchen is a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you’ll gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of our chef.

Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezza (appetizers) and salads, and a main course—all typical Jordanian dishes. You will have get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant.

The Petra Kitchen offers an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience, with each dish gaining the special flavor of a reward well-earned. Great care has been taken to make The Petra Kitchen a truly Jordanian experience—right down to the furnishings, all crafted in Jordan, the tableware, all produced by the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative, and the aprons and table linens, all hand-embroidered by the Jordan River Foundation.

Tour experience tonight includes the cuisine course, meal and all non-alcoholic beverages as well as take-home recipes for all dishes prepared that evening.

DAY 3: Petra – Martian Dome Accommodation! Luxury Camping in Wadi Rum (BLD)
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Today the fabulous Nabatean City of Petra awaits us. Made famous in the Indiana Jones movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” its ancient temples, tombs and striking Khazneh (Treasury) were hewn right from the pink and violet sandstone. We spend our morning here, then head to Wadi Rum, where we board four-wheel-drive vehicles for an expedition to Wadi Rum, the “Valley of the Moon” where T. E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) organized Arab resistance to Ottoman rule during World War I. Lunch box is included.

Choose accommodation in Petra: After our visit we head back to your hotel in Petra. Sample deluxe hotels: Movenpick Petra or Marriott Petra or choose to for star gazing in a Martian Dome accommodation in one of the Luxury camps in Wadi Rum, please let us know your preference at the time of booking.

Martian Dome, Sun City Camp

Martian Dome accommodation at Sun City Camp in Wadi Rum.

For guests who prefer camping in Wadi Rum, then after the Petra visit we will head to one of the local camp sites. It is essential to take several layers of clothes, including warm layers. This is desert weather, so there is a great drop and/or increase in temperatures with sunrise/sunset. Sample camp site: the Luxury Camping: Sun City Camp (Wadi Rum), or the RSCN Rummana Campsite at the Dana Nature Reserve. Dinner is included camp style. Your guide will always be available on hand, and will be escorting you at all times.

Tours are always on a private basis. Private air-conditioned vehicle. Private Chauffeur and private guide.

Day 4: DESERT CASTLES – Dead Sea (BL)
After an early breakfast we head north for a full day tour to the Desert Castles: Qasr Amra Bath and its Zodiac Dome; the Fortress like Qasr Karana; and the Roman Fort, turned into residence by the Ummayds – Qasr El Hallabat, and the black basalt Roman/Medieval fort at Azraq. After lunch, drive North to the Dead Sea, overnight at the Kempinski or Movenpick Dead Sea Resort. Lunch is included today enroute.

Day 5: Jerash (BL)
Full day tour, after breakfast we head for Jerash, among the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, to tour its temples, theaters, churches and colonnaded streets. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. From Jerash continue northwards to Pella in the Jordan Valley. Visit Um Qais, Gedara of the Bible (Matthew 8:28-34) for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River. Return to the Dead Sea resort.

Jordan’s Ancient Roman City of Jerash. Video by The Planet D.

Day 6: Dead Sea – Baptism Site – Galilee (B)
The Baptism site in Jordan, is considered a very important pilgrimage holy site. It is on the east bank of the Jordan river, less than 30 miles from Amman and very close to the Dead Sea. Bethany (Baptism site) is about 45 minutes drive from Amman and the visit to the sites takes usually two hours, on to the DEAD SEA / GALILEE.

After breakfast, drive down to the lowest spot on Earth and experience floating in the waters of the Dead Sea. Continue northwards to Pella in the Jordan Valley. Visit Um Qais, Gedara of the Bible (Matthew 8:28-34) for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River. Return to your hotel.

BAPTISM SITE IN JORDAN:
For Christians, the most significant event associated with the River Jordan is undoubtedly the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Interestingly enough, this also took place very close to Beit ‘Abara, where Joshua, Elijah and Elisha crossed the river. In New Testament times, it became known as Bethany, the village of John the Baptist. This Bethany is not to be confused with the village of Bethany near Jerusalem, where the Bible says Lazarus was raised from the dead.

The Bible clearly records that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 13-17), and that John the Baptist lived, preached and baptized in the village of Bethany, on “the other side of the Jordan” (John 1: 28). The baptism site, known in Arabic as al-Maghtas, is located at the head of a lush valley just east of the Jordan River. It is now protected and by early 1999 it will be accessible to visitors. After Jesus’ baptism at Bethany, he spent forty days in the wilderness east of the River Jordan, where he fasted and resisted the temptations of Satan (Mark 1: 13, Matthew 4: 1-11).

Day 7: Departure – Amman: (B)
After breakfast head for the airport. Bon Voyage. Departure tax is included in our rate.

RATES per person: in USD $ Triple Double Single
First Class hotels $ 2110. $ 2255. $ 3450.
Deluxe hotels $ 2800. $ 2955. $ 3945.
  • This tour operates each and every day from Amman, year round.
  • For Dec 20- Jan 3 & Easter Week: Please add % 15 % to the listed rates.
  • Children: 12 years of age or younger will enjoy 15 % discount when sharing with 2 adults

Your fully escorted tour includes:

  • All transfers, on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle. Private chauffeur.
  • Private guided sightseeing as per itinerary. Private English speaking guide, if you prefer any other major language, please advise us in advance)
  • Accommodation with breakfast daily.
  • Pre-set menu meals: as indicated in the itinerary: “L” = pre-set lunch, “D” = pre-set dinner.
  • Your professional guide will escort you throughout the tour, aside from the fact that you have your private chauffeur as well.
  • Admission fees to museums and sites as detailed in the itinerary.
  • Visa for Jordan. Limited to specific nationalities such as: Australian, NZ, USA, Canada, EU, Japan and others (please check with us if needed at the time of booking).

The tour does not include:

  • International airfare.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenditures (beverages, laundry, special meals, etc.)
  • Tips to hotel and restaurant staff, drivers and guides in Jordan

Sample Deluxe Hotels or similar

  • Amman: Land Mark Hotel Amman, Hyatt Amman, or Sheraton
  • Petra Movenpick or Petra Marriott
  • Dead Sea: Kempinski Dead Sea Ishtar Hotel

Sample First Class Hotels or similar

  • Amman: Imperial Palace Amman, or similar
  • Petra: Beit Zaman Petra Hotel, or similar.
  • Dead Sea: Holiday Inn Hotel or similar.

Lawrence of Arabia’s Jordan (5 days)

The Highlights of Jordan

Mt. Nebo, Jordan.

Mt. Nebo, Jordan.
by Jerzy Strzelecki – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

A 5 day tour. The country that captivated Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones is now yours to explore. We see the best of Jordan in five days on this locally escorted tour.

Tour

DAY 1 – Amman – Tuesday – Weekly – Year Round
Our local rep. meets you at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and will assist with your private transfer to Amman and your hotel.

DAY 2 – AMMAN – Wednesday (BD)
Today you’ll enjoy a private tour of Amman. Visit the Roman Theater, the Citadel, the Archaeology and Folklore Museums, old and modern Amman and one of the many art galleries in this enchanting capital city. The tour will also include a stop at:

Wild Jordan Café
Wild Jordan is the vision of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), a non-governmental organization devoted to the care and protection of Jordan’s natural heritage. The Society was created in 1966 under the patronage of His Majesty, the late King Hussein. Its work is focused on the establishment of protected areas (nature reserves), enforcement of wildlife protection laws. Construction of the Wild Jordan Center was financed by USAID Jordan. It’s located in the heart of old Amman overlooking the Temple of Hercules… the Café served all nature and organic foods and drinks… Two whole floors are devoted to the unique crafts and gifts made by the people living around Jordan’s nature reserves, like Dana and Mujib. All the crafts are inspired by nature and use natural materials. Here is their web site for more info. In the evening visit Kan Zaman Village for dinner, a Folklore show and a preview of the many handicraft ateliers. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide.

DAY 3 – MADABA and KERAK – Petra – Thursday (B)
We drive to Petra along the King’s Way, visiting Madaba, which has the oldest map of the Holy Land, and Madaba’s Mosaic School. Then it’s on to Mt Nebo and Moses’ traditional burial site overlooking the Dead Sea and the Jordan River Valley. We continue through the magnificent scenery of Wadi Mujib to Kerak and the Krak des Chevaliers medieval Crusaders’ castle, stopping at Petra for the night.

DAY 4 – PETRA- Friday (BD)
The fabulous Nabataean City of Petra, carved into rose-red desert sandstone over 2000 years ago, was lost to the world for five centuries. Known as Sela in the Bible, it was rediscovered in 1812. Petra can be reached only by passing between the steep, high sandstone wall of a narrow gorge (‘the Siq’). The dramatic view of its Treasury was made famous in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” Besides the Treasury, we visit the Roman theater, the courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, the Temple of the Winged Lion and other monuments. You may climb up to the monastery if you like. We relax for another night in our Petra hotel.

Now open in Petra, The Petra Kitchen is a delightful way to round out your Jordan travel experiences. Like any home kitchen, The Petra Kitchen is a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you’ll gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of our chef.

Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezza and salads, and a main course—all typical Jordanian dishes. You will have get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant.

The Petra Kitchen offers an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience, with each dish gaining the special flavor of a reward well-earned. Great care has been taken to make The Petra Kitchen a truly Jordanian experience—right down to the furnishings, all crafted in Jordan, the tableware, all produced by the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative, and the aprons and table linens, all hand-embroidered by the Jordan River Foundation.

The rate includes the cuisine course, meal and all non-alcoholic beverages as well as take-home recipes for all dishes prepared that evening.

Wadi Rum. Video by tletter.

DAY 5 – WADI RUM – Saturday (B)
We visit the awesome moonscape of the Wadi Rum desert by four-wheel-drive vehicle, covering some of the ground where “Lawrence of Arabia” was filmed. We then escort you to the Airport. For this tour, and to be able to see Wadi Rum, your flight must be an evening one.

Rates per person in USD $
Deluxe First Class
Triple US$ 1770. US$ 1515.
Double US$ 1810. US$ 1635.
Single US$ 2455. US$ 2250.
  • This tour begins every Wednesday in Amman. (To begin on any other day of the week, please add $300 USD per person to the rates; for PRIVATE tour.)
  • You may combine Lawrence of Arabia’s Jordan with any Travel in Style tour to Egypt or Turkey. We will be glad to assist you with any special transportation and accommodation arrangements (to/from Egypt, Israel, Jordan or Turkey).

The rates include:

  • Transfers, hotel accommodation.
  • Guided sightseeing as per itinerary including entrance fees.
  • Meals are preset menu as per itinerary: BLD: breakfast/lunch/dinner.
  • Transportation within Jordan.
  • Sightseeing with guide and entrance fees as per itinerary.
  • Visa for Jordan. Limited to specific nationalities such as: Australian, NZ, USA, Canada, EU, Japan and others (please check with us if needed at the time of booking).

The tour does not include:

  • International airfare.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenditures (beverages, laundry, special meals, etc.)
  • Tips

Jordan Desert Castles (5 days)

Qasr Kharana, Jordan.

Qasr Kharana, Jordan.
By JoTB. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Five days. Start weekly in Amman, year round

Tour

Sunday- Weekly Arrival – Year Round – Day 1: Amman
We meet you at Queen Alia Airport and escort you to your hotel. Transfers are always on a private basis. Private air-conditioned vehicle with a private chauffeur.

Monday, Amman – Petra -Day 2 (BL)
This day is dedicated to discovering Amman, the capital of the Kingdom of Jordan, with its unique combination of modern sites and archeological highlights, and Jerash, the best preserved Roman City of the East. Lunch is included enroute, in a charming local restaurant. In the late afternoon we proceed to Petra for check-in and overnight at the hotel of your choice.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Petra (BLD)
A full day tour of Jordan’s most famous site, the rose-red city of Petra. Venture through the Siq (the gorge between two towering mountains) until you reach the treasury which, like the most of the structures at Petra, is carved into the rose-red Nubian sandstone.

In the evening we will call on you for a unique experience:
Dine as a local: The Petra Kitchen is a delightful way to round out your Jordan travel experiences. Like any home kitchen, The Petra Kitchen is a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you’ll gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of our chef.

Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezza (appetizers) and salads, and a main course—all typical Jordanian dishes. You will have get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant.

The Petra Kitchen offers an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience, with each dish gaining the special flavor of a reward well-earned. Great care has been taken to make The Petra Kitchen a truly Jordanian experience—right down to the furnishings, all crafted in Jordan, the tableware, all produced by the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative, and the aprons and table linens, all hand-embroidered by the Jordan River Foundation.

Tour experience tonight includes the cuisine course, meal and all non-alcoholic beverages as well as take-home recipes for all dishes prepared that evening.

Preparing our meal at Petra Kitchen. Video by Mary Beth Kratsas.

Wednesday, DESERT CASTLES Day 4- The Dead Sea (BL)
After an early breakfast we head north for a full day tour to the Desert Castles: Qasr Amra Bath and its Zodiac Dome, the Fortress like Qasr Karana, and the Roman Fort, turned into residence by the Ummayds: Qasr El Hallabat, and the black basalt Roman/Medieval fort at Azraq. After lunch, drive back to the Dead Sea, overnight at the Kempinski or Movenpick Dead Sea Resort. Lunch is included today enroute.

Day 5 – Departure – Amman (B)
After breakfast head for the airport. Bon Voyage!

Rates are per person in US$
Category First Class Moderate Deluxe
In Triple Occupancy $ 1325. $ 1635.
In Double $ 1450. $ 1771.
In Single $ 1930. $ 2230.
Amman Geneva Hotel Amman
Imperial Hotel
or similar
Land Mark Amman Hotel
or similar
Petra Taybet Zaman Taybet Zaman

Inclusions:

  • Amman Airport transfers, always on a private basis
  • All tours and transfers in Jordan
  • All entrance fees
  • Horse ride at Petra
  • English speaking guide
  • Hotel accommodation including taxes
  • Greeting and assistance upon arrival and departure
  • Meals as listed: cB: Continental breakfast, L: preset menu lunch. One bottled water with each lunch/dinner. Tea or coffee with all the meals listed.
  • Visa for Jordan. Limited to specific nationalities such as: Australian, NZ, USA, Canada, EU, Japan and others (please check with us if needed at the time of booking).

The tour does not include:

  • International airfare.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenditures (beverages, laundry, special meals, etc.)
  • Tips

The Best of Jordan Islamic Heritage (9 days)

See the top Islamic sites in Jordan
on this locally escorted tour

Nabi Shu'ayb. Courtyard of the complex.

Nabi Shu’ayb. Courtyard of the complex.
Druze Training Center [CC-BY-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Tour

DAY 1 – AMMAN-Daily -Year Round
Arrive at Amman Airport. Our local rep will meet you upon arrival and help with the transfer to your hotel in Amman. Please secure the visa for Jordan from consulate nearest you. Passport must be valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival. While this is a daily tour, you may choose your own arrival date, we may have to change the sequence of the itinerary to accommodate any closure of specific sites and/or border crossing, subject to local holidays and regular maintenance of sites etc.

Day 2 – Amman (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel, then we will start by heading out to Salt and its surroundings, where we will see and visit several tombs of prominent figures of Islam and others mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. Within a modern mosque in Wadi Shu’ayb lies the shrine of Prophet Shu’ayb (Jethro), the Midianite father-in-law of Prophet Moses and with whom Prophet Moses took refuge after he killed an Egyptian. Repeatedly he preached to his people about monotheism and to abandon their corrupt practices such as under-weighing and under-measuring the commodities they sold. Within a mosque to the west of Salt, on a hill carrying his name lies the shrine of Prophet Yusha (Joshua). He was the apprentice of Prophet Moses and later his successor. Prophet Joshua led the army of the tribes of Israel in conquest over the land of Palestine. Lunch is included enroute, then continue to Amman and your hotel.

Day 3 – Jordan valley (BL)
Breakfast is included daily at the hotel, and then proceed north to visit Jordan valley. Join other pilgrims in the Jordan Valley and visit the tombs of Prophet Mohammad’s venerable companions and military leaders The venerable companion Abu Ubeida Amer ibn Al-Jarrah was the Prophet’s relative and one of the first converts to Islam. Among the early Muslims who fled to Abyssinia, Abu Ubeida participated in all major events. Furthermore, he is one of the ‘Blessed Ten’, to whom the Prophet, promised paradise. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Back to Amman and your hotel.

As the supreme commander of the Northern Muslim Army, Abu Ubeida successfully conquered Greater Syria Prophet Mohammad dubbed him “The Trustee of the Nation” because of the knowledge he acquired.

When the Prophet (SAAWS) died, Abu Ubeida was among the candidates for the Caliphate. He believed Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq was to lead the Muslims and become Caliph because Prophet Mohammad (SAAWS) had asked him to lead prayers upon his death.

Abu Ubeida thus managed to avoid insurrection and disunity amongst Muslims. At the age of 58, he fell victim to the Great Plague that spread through Greater Syria. In the central Jordan Valley, his tomb is a major Islamic center with a mosque, library, and a cultural center.

The handsome, generous and venerable companion Mo’ath ibn Jabal entered Islam at the age of 18. He was one of the six charged with the task of compiling the Holy Qur’an during the life of Prophet Mohammad who said of him “the most knowledgeable on what is allowed and prohibited (in Islam) is Mo’ath ibn Jabal” and that “Mo’ath will be at the forefront of all scholars on Judgment Day”.

In fact, he was regarded as the most learned in matters of Halal (permissible acts) and Haram (forbidden acts). Before accompanying Abu Ubeida Amer ibn Al-Jarrah on his conquests and later succeeding him, Prophet Mohammad sent Mo’ath ibn Jabal as counselor to the people of Yemen.

He also took part in the Aqaba Allegiance Convention between the Prophet and his supporters from Medina. He died at the age of 38 in the Jordan Valley, having spent his short life teaching faith and the Holy Qur’an. Today a modern building with 5 domes houses the tomb.

The venerable companion Shurahbil ibn Hasanah was among the early Muslims who fled to Abyssinia. He was reputed for his strong faith, intelligence, bravery and successful administration. Shurahbil.actively participated in the Battle of Yarmouk and the conquest of Jerusalem. When the Caliph Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq sent the Muslim armies to Greater Syria.Shurahbil was in command of the army assigned to the conquest of Jordan.

Later, the Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab appointed Shurahbil the governor of a province in Greater Syria, where he distinguished himself for his fair dealings with subordinates. He died from the plague on the same day as the venerable companion Abu Ubeida Amer ibn Al-Jarrah.

The venerable companion Amir ibn Abi Waqqas was the maternal cousin of the Prophet and the 11th man to convert to Islam. He was devoted to his faith, although his mother Himnah, daughter of Abi Sufyan ibn Harb ibn Umayyah, swore to stay out in the burning sun until he renounces Islam. He migrated to Abyssinia and fought in the Battle of Uhud and was later entrusted with carrying messages from the commanders of the Muslim army to the Caliph in Medina.

Furthermore, he was the deputy of the venerable companion Abu Ubeida in his governorship of the military district of Syria. You can visit his tomb located inside a new building erected on vaults, within the village of Waqqas in the northern Jordan valley.

The venerable companion Derar ibn Al-Azwar was a poet and a fierce warrior who loved combat. He fought in the wars of Apostasy and took part in the conquest of Greater Syria along with his distinguished sister Khawlah bint Al-Azwar. In the town of Deir Alla a mosque superimposed by a dome houses the tomb of Dirar ibn Al-Azwar. The 18th year after Hijra was when he, too, became a victim of the Great Plague.

Mosque of Martyrs and educational complex at the Battle of Mutah.

Mosque of Martyrs and educational complex at the Battle of Mutah.
© Syed Wali Peeran | Wikimedia Commons

Day 4: Mutaa – Kerak (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included enroute.
Head south to Mutaa. The most significant and the fiercest battle fought during Prophet Mohammad’s lifetime was the Battle of Mutah (629 AD). It also took the lives of his closest companions, martyred fighting against a combined Byzantine/Ghassanid army. You can visit the tombs of the venerable companions Zaid ibn Harithah, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, and Abdullah ibn Ruwahah in the town of Al-Mazar Al-Janubi near Kerak.

Prophet Mohammad’s (SAAWS) adopted son, the venerable companion Zaid ibn Harithah led the Muslim army during the Battle of Mutah. Zaid fought in matchless spirit of bravery until he fell, fatally stabbed. He is the only companion mentioned in the Holy Qur’an by name [Sura 33, verse 37]: “Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, we joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved (their marriage) with them. And Allah’s command must be fulfilled”.

The deputy commander of the army the venerable companion Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, cousin of Prophet Mohammad, then took the banner after Zaid. He is often known as “The Flying Ja’far” because he lost his hands during the battle and continued to hold the banner. Ja’far, was known to be similar to the Prophet both in features and in character. He was renowned for his kindness towards the needy and for narrating the hadiths directly from the Prophet.

Ja’far was charged with heading a group of Muslims who migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia). The non-believers sent a delegation headed by Amr ibn Al-Aas to bring the Muslims back to Mecca. A debate took place in the presence of the King of Abyssinia where Ja’far proved to be indomitable and unflinching in elaborating the Muslim viewpoint.

When the King asked him about Prophet Mohammad’s (SAAWS) opinion of Jesus the son of Mary, Ja’far wisely answered: “I will tell you what Prophet Mohammad says about Jesus based on the words of Allah: Jesus is the spirit and word of Allah who revealed it to Mary the Pious Virgin”. Content with the reply, the King of Abyssinia allowed the Muslims to stay.

The venerable companion Abdullah ibn Ruwahah, the third in charge of the army after Zaid and Ja’far, then assumed command. Abdullah was known among the companions for his piety, obedience and patience. Furthermore, he was a faithful and selflessly dedicated soldier. He was a famous poet of his time, and became the Prophet’s poet. Before being martyred in the Battle of Mutah, Abdullah said the following lines as his army faced an overwhelming number of Byzantine and Ghassanid Arab troops:

“O my soul! If you are not killed, you are bound to die anyway. This is the fate of death overtaking you. What you have wished for, you have been granted. If you do what they (Zaid and Ja’far) have done. Then you are rightly guided”.

In and around Kerak other shrines of significance to Islam are located. You can visit Prophet Nuh ‘Noah’ shrine in the city of Kerak. Allah sent Noah to his people to warn them of divine punishment if they continued to worship idols. As stated in the Holy Qur’an in a Sura entitled Noah (Sura 71, verses 1-3): “We sent Noah to his People (with the Command): Do thou warn thy People before there comes to them a grievous Chastisement. He said: O my People! I am to you a Warner, clear and open: That ye should worship Allah, fear Him and obey me”.

Credited with great wisdom and piety, the Prophet and King of Israel, Sulayman ‘Solomon’, has a shrine in Sarfah near Kerak. Prophet Solomon had great powers that included control over the winds, over the Jinnis and understanding the language of birds and other animals. Islam regards Solomon as impeccable like his father Prophet and King Dawud ‘David’. Prophet Solomon is mentioned in 16 verses in the Holy Qur’an.

Also in Kerak is the shrine of Zaid ibn Ali ibn Al-Hussein. He was the great, great, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, and a religious leader known for his righteous, majestic and knowledgeable ways. When describing Zaid, Al-Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq said: “Among us he was the best read in the Holy Qur’an, and the most knowledgeable about religion, and the most caring towards family and relatives”. (120 km) continue to kerak to visit the castle of kerak.

DAY 5: AMMAN (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Full day tour : In addition to the main Islamic attractions in Amman: the citadel,grand Husseini Mosque, king Abdallah Mosque, we will tour many noteworthy Islamic attractions.

In Jubeha, a suburb of Amman, visit the tomb of the venerable companion Abdul-Rahman ibn Awf Al-Zuhri. Lined up stones mark the burial place of one of the ‘Blessed Ten’, to whom Prophet Mohammad promised paradise. He took part in all major battles and campaigns of Islam; including Badr, Uhud (in Medina), Al-Khandaq (the Trench), the Conquest of Mecca, and Hunayn.

He was the signatory on behalf of the Muslims at the Treaty of Hudaybiyah (west of Mecca), a compromise that was reached between Prophet Mohammad and Meccan leaders, in which Mecca gave political and religious recognition to the growing community of Muslims.

At the conquest of Jerusalem he was one of the Muslim signatories. Abdul-Rahman was a successful businessman who shared his wealth. On one day he managed to free 31 slaves, another time he gave a caravan of 700 camels loaded with food to charity and upon his death he made a charitable will of 1000 horses and 50,000 dinars.

A modern building protects the tomb of the venerable companion Bilal ibn Rabah at the village of Bilal, in Wadi Essair another suburb of Amman. Whilst still a slave Bilal embraced Islam, which brought upon him the wrath of his master Umayyah ibn Khalaf who tried to coerce him into rejecting his faith by placing a huge rock on his chest during the peak summer heat of Mecca.

He fought bravely in the Battles of Badr and Uhud, where he was able to avenge himself from his former master. Gifted with a beautiful voice Bilal became the Prophet’s personal muezzin.

A popular attraction outside of Amman is Kahf Al-Raqim or The Cave of The Seven pious young men who slept for 300 year. Mentioned in the Holy Qur’an in a Sura named Al-Kahf (the Cave), it is located outside the village of Al-Raqim, 10 km east of Amman. Persecuted by despotic rule of Trajan for monotheism, a group of pious youths took refuge in this cave.

When the Pious Seven awoke, they thought that they were only asleep for a day or so. Christianity was widespread by then. At the cave, there still stands Byzantine and Roman ruins as well as a mosque. in the after noon visit the cave of the seven sleepers then back to your hotel in Amman for the night.

Video by The Muslim Travelers

Day 6 – Petra (BLD)
We drive south along the King’s Highway, an ancient caravan route, to PETRA. Lunch is included enroute. The afternoon is at leisure to get some rest, and enjoy your hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel.

DAY 7 – PETRA (BD)
We’ll spend the entire day at Petra, the stunning desert city hewn by the Nabateans from solid cliffs of pink and violet sandstone. Petra was known in the bible as Sela, and rediscovered only in 1812. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark as you penetrate into the city through a narrow sandstone gorge, the Siq, and wander among the Temple of the Winged Lion, tombs, Roman theater, and the imposing Treasury.

Petra has a lot to tell. The visit starts at the visitor’s center, where each person is assigned a Bedouin guided horse for the journey to the entrance of the lost city. After passing some tombs which are located outside the city, the visitor passes through the SIQ, an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone. It is a winding, one-kilometer-long fissure between overhanging cliffs that seem to meet more than 300 feet overhead.
Near the end of the passage, the SIQ, with great style, makes one last turn and out of the gloom in towering brightness appears Petra’s most impressive monument, el Khazneh – The Treasury. This is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity, carved out of the solid rock from the side of the mountain, is nearly 140 feet high and 90 feet wide.
Beyond el Khazneh the visitor is surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a carved Roman theater, large and small houses, burial chambers and much more. The Victorian traveler and poet, Dean Burgon, gave Petra a description which holds to this day – “Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time.” After that, we will return to the hotel to get prepared for a Moonlight dinner served at a Bedouin camp. This evening we have a fantastic traditional dinner under the stars in a Bedouin camp, at a site that dates back more than 2,000 years.

DAY 8 – Petra – Dead Sea  (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel then off to the DEAD SEA / GALILEE
After breakfast we continue northwards to Pella in the Jordan Valley. Visit Um Qais, for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River drive down to the lowest spot on Earth and experience floating in the waters of the Dead Sea and your resort such as the Mövenpick Dead Sea, the Ishtar Dead Sea Kempinski Resort for Deluxe category, or similar. Lunch is included enroute.

Day 9 – Departure From Amman (B)
Transfer to Amman Airport for your return flight. Transfers are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur. Salam & Bon Voyage.

RATES per person: in USD$
Triple
Double
Single
Category B hotels
$ 2320.
$ 2455.
$ 3010.
Category A Hotels
$ 2770.
$ 2833.
$ 3524.
Rates For Groups or Families
with a minimum of 10-15 Guests
Rates per person in USD$
Triple
Double
Single
Category B hotels
$ 1450.
$ 1575.
$ 2190.
Category A Hotels
$ 1750.
$ 1890.
$ 2555.

Your fully escorted tour includes:

  • All transfers, and guided sightseeing as per itinerary.
  • Accommodation with breakfast and dinner daily (as indicated in the itinerary)
  • Services of a professional guide escorting you from Amman throughout the tour
  • Admission fees to museums and sites as detailed in the itinerary.

The tour does not include:

  • International airfare.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenditures (beverages, laundry, special meals, etc.)
  • Tips to hotel and restaurant staff, drivers and guides etc.
  • Visa for Jordan (Visa fee will be waived for groups or families with a minimum of 5 paying guests).
Sample Hotels
or similar
Amman Petra The Dead Sea
Category B
Hotels
Landmark Hotel
or similar
Crown Plaza Petra Hotel or similar The Dead Sea Spa Hotel or similar
Category A
Hotels
Sheraton Amman
Hyatt Amman
or similar
Taybet Zaman Petra
Movenpick Petra
or similar
Kempinski Dead Sea
Movenpick Dead Sea
or similar

Petra and Wadi Rum (1 day)

Petra a la Indiana Jones
Including Wadi Rum
One Day Private Tour in Jordan

Cruise Shore Excursion
Arriving Aqaba on the Red Sea onboard your cruise ship
Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
© Markv | Wikimedia Commons

Designed for cruise passengers seeking a more personal service, or a more upscale way of enjoying shore excursions. Arrive on Oceania Cruises, Silverseas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Royal caribbean Cruises, Princess or other Mediterranean and Red Sea cruises. Port Trips, shore excursions and ground transportation in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. For those who wish to break away from the crowd and experience a more intimate experience. We cater to your needs and custom tailor from 2 to 2000 passengers. Families and children are always welcome. You will always have your own PRIVATE air conditioned vehicle and private guide. Private Red Sea, Aegean and Mediterranean Escapades – Port Trips – Cruise Shore Excursions and Mediterranean Luxury Day Tours.

Video by DiveMagazine

Tour

Arrive Any Day – Year Round
Aqaba – PETRA – Wadi Rum – Aqaba: A Full day tour
Daily – Choose your own date
(L)
Your private guide and private chauffeur will meet you with a sign at the port in Aqaba.

Expected time of arrival: Aqaba: 7 AM , then start your tour (subject to clearing formalities): around 8 AM

Private air-conditioned vehicle to Petra. The fabulous Nabataean City of Petra, carved into rose-red desert sandstone over 2000 years ago, was lost to the world for five centuries. Known as Sela in the Bible, it was rediscovered in 1812. Petra can be reached only by passing between the steep, high sandstone wall of a narrow gorge (‘the Siq’). The dramatic view of its Treasury was made famous in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

From Petra we board four-wheel-drive vehicles for an expedition to Wadi Rum, the “Valley of the Moon”, where T. E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) organized Arab resistance to Ottoman rule during World War I. We break for tea with the local bedouins. After our visit, lunch is included at one of the deluxe hotels in Petra. We head back to Aqaba with an expected arrival around 6-7 PM.

Wadi Rum Visitor Center with the 7 Pillars of Wisdom in the background

Wadi Rum Visitor Center with the 7 Pillars of Wisdom in the background
By SatuSuro [CC-BY-2.5-au], via Wikimedia Commons

RATES per person in USD $
Based on an air-conditioned Mini -Coach
Minimum 1 guest
US$ 957.00
Minimum 2-3 guests
US$ 668.00
Minimum 4- 6 guests
US$ 567.00
Minimum 7-10 guests
US$ 520.00

The rates include

  • Private transfers, Aqaba Petra Aqaba
  • Private guided sightseeing as per itinerary including entrance fees.
  • One lunch, including bottled water (one large bottle per person), tea, coffee, appetizer, main course, desert, and one soft drink
  • All entrance fees
  • All the tips, to your guide, driver and the camel or horse driver in Petra.


Rate does not include

  • Any international transportation or airfares from / to home country
  • Insurance
  • Any hotel accommodation

One Day Tour of Petra

Private Tours in Jordan
One Day Shore Excursion
Arriving Aqaba on the Red Sea

All tips are include – No Hidden Charges – No Additional tax

The Treasury in Petra

The Treasury in Petra
By Jean Housen (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0],
via Wikimedia Commons

Designed for cruise passengers seeking more personal service, or a more upscale way of enjoying shore excursions. Arrive on Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, or other Mediterranean cruises.

Port trips, shore excursions and ground transportation in the Mediterranean and Red Sea for those who wish to break away from the crowd and are looking for a more intimate experience. We cater to your needs and can custom tailor your experience from 2 to 2000 passengers. Families and children are always welcome. You will always have your own PRIVATE air conditioned vehicle and private guide. Private Red Sea, Aegean and Mediterranean Escapades – Port Trips – Cruise Shore Excursions and Mediterranean Luxury Day Tours.

Tour

Aqaba – PETRA – Aqaba:
A Full day tour – daily – Choose your own date (L)
Arrive Any Day – Year Round
Private Guide From/To the Aqaba Port

Your private guide and private chauffeur will meet you at the port in Aqaba, holding up a sign with your name. Expected time of arrival in Aqaba is 7:00 AM. Departure subject to clearing formalities. You will leave at 8:00 AM in a private air-conditioned vehicle to Petra.

The fabulous Nabataean City of Petra, carved into rose-red desert sandstone over 2000 years ago, was lost to the world for five centuries. Known as Sela in the Bible, it was rediscovered in 1812. Petra can be reached only by passing between the steep, high sandstone wall of a narrow gorge (‘the Siq’). The dramatic view of its Treasury was made famous in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” Besides the Treasury, we will visit the Roman theater, the courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, the Temple of the Winged Lion and other monuments. You may climb up to the monastery if you like. Lunch is included at one of the deluxe hotels in Petra – Movenpick Petra or similar. We will then head back to Aqaba with an expected arrival time of around 6:00 PM. Add Wadi Rum.

RATES per person in USD $
Based on an air-conditioned Mini-Coach
Minimum 1 guest US$ 850.00
Minimum 2-3 guests US$ 610.00 per person
Minimum 4- 6 guests US$ 509.00 per person
Minimum 7-10 guests US$ 450.00 per person

The rates include:

  • Private transfers, Aqaba-Petra-Aqaba
  • Private guided sightseeing as per itinerary including entrance fees.
  • One lunch, including bottled water (one large bottle per person), tea, coffee, appetizer, main course, dessert, and one soft drink
  • All entrance fees
  • All the tips to your guide, driver and the camel or horse driver in Petra.

Rate does not include:

  • Any international transportation or airfares from/to home country
  • Insurance
  • Any hotel accommodation
Sample Timetable

Sample Timetable: Always Subject To Change

08:00 AM
Disembark the cruise ship. The guest will be met by our local rep.

08:15 AM
Departure Aqaba Port and drive to Petra. On the way our experienced guides will give general information about Jordan. You will have mineral water available on board the vehicle.

10:00 AM
Arrive visitors’ Centre at Petra and use Restrooms available, shopping facilities available, Bank. When you arrive at Petra Gate, the guide will hand each guest Entry Ticket to the site at the door. For the guests who want to take a horse, the horse ride is for around 800 meters only, and then the guests will have to walk. The walk through the “Siq” to the Treasury is around 1216 meters long and takes around half an hour.

11:00 AM
All guests at this time will be at the Treasury, and our guide will start giving explanation about the site of Petra, and walk through the many beautiful monuments, which is carved by the Nabatean from the rose red sandstone walls. Visit the Roman Theatre and the Royal Tombs.

13:30
Free time to explore Petra

16:00
The meeting time at Petra Gate and drive back to Aqaba.

18:00
Arrive Aqaba Port, board your cruise – Bon Voyage!

Private Cruise ship Shore excursions in North Africa, Near East and Eastern Mediterranean

Regular cruise shore excursions are generally a good introduction to any city, however most seasoned cruise travelers prefer to go sightseeing with a private guide.

The differences between ship organized tours and private tours are best described as “package versus tailor-made.” Some people may feel all right joining a large tour group but sometimes it is difficult to hear the guide and the group moves only as fast as the slowest participant. Also, others may not get their questions answered at all as there may be twenty other people in the group trying to do the same thing.

In contrast, a small tour group with a tailor-made program is way more enjoyable and ensures personal attention for everyone. You can spend as much time as you want. Therefore, if you want to maximize your limited time, the private escorted tour that is tailored to your unique wishes and interests is an ideal solution.

All our private shore excursions tours are carefully designed to give you the best possible experience. Our knowledgeable, friendly and qualified tour guide and driver will ensure that your visit ashore is truly memorable. When you tour with us as part of a private shore excursion, your tour guide can get you into sites without waiting in lines. That is especially valuable given the limited time you have to spend ashore.