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      This program is sold out, but we are also offering a June 27th departure of this program, or you can consider other winter programs.

      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 12/23/2023 - 12/30/2023

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 8 Days / 7 Nights

      Overview

      Explore ancient sights and lost cities, overnight in a Bedouin tent, and dine amidst the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum. Take in Petra’s fascinating history and marvel at its thrilling beauty, and still have a chance to relax in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. This 8-day trip is ideal for the traveler who is short on time but wants to soak up the colors, culture, and history of a country that’s small in size but big in adventure. Visit Jordan with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      What's Included:
      • Bedouin camp overnight
      • Jerash Greco-Roman ruins guided tour
      • Dead Sea visit
      • Visit Madaba mosaics and Mount Nebo
      • Karak Castle guided tour
      • Petra guided tour
      • Wadi Rum jeep excursion
      • Red Sea stay
      • G Adventures Tour Leader throughout and local guides
      • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner – allow $200-270 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels (6 nts), Bedouin desert camp (1 nt)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by private van, 4x4 pickup truck, walking
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admission tickets
      • Airport transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Today is an arrival day, and as travelers are arriving from all corners of the world, there are no planned activities. You are free to arrive in Amman at any time. Hotel check-in is 2:00 p.m., and luggage storage is available if you arrive before your room is ready. In the early evening, you will meet your tour leader and fellow group members for an important group meeting. Check the hotel notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of this meeting. Afterward, there will be the option to head out for a meal together in nearby in a local restaurant. If you arrive late, your group leader will leave you a message at the front desk. Amman is a very big city, and there is not one central area to stay – hotels are spread out across various neighborhoods within the city. For this reason, to move around the city in your free time, you will need to take a taxi, please feel free to ask your tour leader or the hotel front desk for recommendations and assistance.

      This morning, we 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. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares, and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition. We then discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after. We return to Amman for the night. Approximate travel time: 6-8 hrs total by private vehicle with stops along the way

      We depart early for the first stop, Mount Nebo, a historic site believed by many to be the location of Moses’ death and has thus been a center for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Trek to the summit (817 m or 2,680 ft) and be rewarded with views of the stunning surrounding countryside and Israel in the distance. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views. We continue on to Madaba to explore its long history on this guided tour, including its role as the center of early Christianity. We will see some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that’s housed in several old Madaba residences. After, we take a walk through history on a guided tour of Karak Castle, the largest late-Islamic castle in Jordan. Explore its unique construction – initially built in the Crusader period, it was expanded and refortified during the Ayyubid and Mamluk eras. In the early evening, we arrive in Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra. Approximate travel time: 3-4 hrs total by private vehicle with stops along the way

      We journey to Petra today to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Each tour will be different depending on the interests of the group, but everyone arrives through the dramatic Siq, rounding a corner and setting eyes on the famous treasury building. With time, hike approximately 25 km (15 mi) to cover the entire site. Climb (steps) to two sacred hilltops. Depending on the weather and the interests of the group, you may opt to hike an additional 2 km (1.2 mi) to see the magnificent views from the top of the treasury. This makes for a unique and unforgettable experience. We will get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest tourist attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh’s Castle, the triumphal arch, the amphitheater, and the monastery. In the afternoon, you may return to Wādī Mūsá or continue exploring on your own.

      In the morning, you can take the opportunity to visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid). We then drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. Journey into the stunning, colorful desert on a 4×4 excursion. Make stops along the way to get out and explore, learn about the region or scramble up rocks or sand dunes. We arrive at the tented camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. There is a large, central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter. 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. Spend the evening sitting under the stars, around a fire, listening to stories from the Bedouin hosts. If really lucky, they may bring the drums out for some music! Accommodation in the desert is in individual cabins that are all attached. Each room contains a bathroom. Basic linens are provided, but many travelers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort. Approximate travel time: 2 hrs by private vehicle, 2 hrs by 4×4

      Today, we drive to the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba where you will have free time to relax at the beach, swim in the refreshing water, or check out the city. Make sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by private vehicle

      Today, we journey back to Amman. En route, we will stop at a G Adventures-supported community cafe for lunch. Al Safi Kitchen is a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create a sustainable future for the 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. Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds and learn about how this small nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. Approximate travel time: 4 hrs by private vehicle

      You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO trips in the same year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs). If you don’t see a program that interests you that pairs with this trip but still would like to extend your time abroad, let us know. We will work with you to find a non-teacher trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Even better, if you are an educator we can still offer you a discounted price on the trip you choose!

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach about Jordan
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      GEEO Program Confirmation Process
      We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.
      Cancellation Policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
      Group Leader Description
      All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
      Fitness Level
      Trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. The hiking in Petra can be exhausting in the heat. Keep hydrated and know your limits! Your tour leader will set a meeting place and time so that you can hike as much as you want, from a little to a lot.
      Single Travelers
      Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room. Please note that, if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops except Day 5 in the Bedouin camp.
      Joining Instructions
      Day 1 is an arrival day, and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., where you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. Official airport taxis cost around 20 Jordanian Dinar (JOD). The drive can take between 20 minutes and 1 hour depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. You should fix a price with your driver before you get into the car and set off. If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. Please note our Transfer driver will be outside the arrival hall, not in the immigration area where other drivers may be located. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
      Emergency Contacts
      If you need to contact G Adventures in a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. G Adventures Local Representative (Amman, Jordan) During office hours (Sun-Thurs 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Local Time): +962 (6) 4642034 or 4636944 or 4656647/8 After hours Emergency number: +962 79 553 5879 Regional operations manager emergency phone number: +44 (1858) 378000 If you are unable for any reason to contact G Adventures’ local office, they have a toll-free line within North America which will connect you directly with their Toronto office: +1 888 800 4100 If you have purchased an arrival transfer, it has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer but we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. If your call is specifically concerning Amman Airport Transfer complications please call our local G Adventures Transfer provider directly at +962 79 5535879.
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and downstairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. Health & Safety
      • N95/KN95 Face masks (at least a few just in case there is an outbreak within your group)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Quick Covid Test/Antigen Tests (at least 3)
      Suggested Checklist
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket – chances are it won’t rain
      • Sun hat
      • Personal clothing for cool weather (jacket, long-sleeved shirts, etc.)
      • Daypack
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Flashlight or headlamp
      • Small flashlight
      • Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
      • Camera
      • First-aid kit, including: lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • A lightweight silk sleep sheet
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Water bottle
      • Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags for wet clothing
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
      Document Checklist
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      • Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit or debit card – see personal spending money
      • G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your group leader where the nearest laundromat is. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. For Americans, the Jordanian visa is issued upon arrival at the airport and major land borders. It currently costs 40 JOD (approximately $56 USD) for a single entry with one-month validity. They accept credit cards and JOD, but not USD cash. You can exchange money at the airport before getting in line to purchase your visa. Non-American participants should check with their government to find out if they need a visa.
      Money Exchange
      The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). ATMs are found within main cities in Jordan and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard, if possible, because, while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note: Your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds, and U.S. Dollars are all easy to exchange for the local currency. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations, but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. If you are bringing U.S. Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996 or with tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash! As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
      Tipping
      Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term, “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. It is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, cleaning staff, luggage porters, and taxi drivers. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement low salaries/wages. A guideline for budgeting for tips is approximately $5-10 USD per day. To make things as easy as possible and avoid awkward situations, G Adventures utilized a tipping kitty system in which your tour leader will collect a contribution from each traveler at the start of the program and use these funds to tip anybody who provides services to the entire group. On Day 1 of your tour, the tour leader will be able to advise on the amount to contribute to the tipping kitty. You can contribute USD or the equivalent local currency, but the local currency is typically preferred. At the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. The amount is entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline, $11-13 USD per person per day would be appropriate.
      Vaccinations
      We legally cannot give you any medical advice. It is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available 60 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. We advise that you wait until this trip is confirmed before booking non-refundable and non-changeable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Amman, which usually means departing the United States on the prior day. You can arrive at any time you choose. Your trip ends in Amman, and you can depart whenever you wish on the final day.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. British-style square three-pin plugs (Type G) are most common in Jordan, but European-style round two- and three-pin plugs are also sometimes used. The voltage is 220-240V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.
      Advice From Past Participants
      “Bring lightweight, light-colored, long sleeve shirts for the desert.” “Pack your Dramamine for the bus ride to Wadi Rum. I would also highly recommend packing rehydration tablets."
      Expectations
      Before you decide on traveling with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.
      • The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe place for you to sleep. We upgraded the hotels on this trip, so you may be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury.
      • You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
      • We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
      • Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip, as they are not the traditional guide you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring, and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
      Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
      Itinerary Disclaimer
      While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      Weather
      The climate depends on which part of the country you are in, but it is cool in Jordan during the winter with highs often in the 50’s and lows around 40. Snow can sometimes occur in Amman and Petra. Aqaba is a bit warmer, with highs around 70ºF.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      Tour Company Fee
      See our price in the top right corner
      Optional Activities
      $100-$70 USD
      International Airfare from the United States
      Approximately $1,000-1,800 USD If you require assistance in booking your international airfare, we would be happy to help you.
      Insurance
      $79-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as well.
      Tipping
      $90-105 USD for your tour leader; an additional $50-80 USD for other tips
      Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary
      $200-270 USD
      Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
      Be sure to budget for these types of expenses
      Airport and Departure Taxes
      This is usually included in your flight price. Roughly $11 USD, if you leave by a land border
      Vaccines
      Variable. Please consult your doctor.
      Visa
      Approximately $56 USD for Americans
      Souvenirs
      Variable. At your personal discretion.
      Non-Educator Donation
      $100 USD (Suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally in the local currency, the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). You do not have to decide in advance for which activities you would like to sign up. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate, but you may use them as a rough guide for your budget.
      Dead Sea
      Mud Baths: 3 JOD Black mud from the Dead Sea is rich mineral content and known to have purifying and healing effects when applied to the skin. Take some time to cleanse your body and mind in this tranquil setting.
      Petra
      Petra by Night: 17 JOD Enjoy a magical night at Petra. Sit back in the candlelit Siq and treasury and enjoy a live Bedouin music show. Turkish Bath: 20 JOD You’ve done some walking this tour, so take this opportunity to give your muscles some much-needed attention. Enjoy this true hammam experience. Siq al-Barid (Little Petra): 8 JOD Explore the narrow alleyway with tall cliff walls and carved rock of Little Petra, which is similar to its larger namesake. Just 9 km (5.6 mi) from Wadi Musa, it’s worth the visit.
      Wadi Rum (Desert)
      Wadi Rum 4×4 excursion extension: 70 JOD Extend the 4×4 ride by 2 extra hours to see more of the fascinating Wadi Rum desert. The listed price is the price per jeep.
      Aqaba
      Aqaba Castle: 3 JOD Get in some extra activity and learn about Aqaba Castle’s long and interesting history on this fascinating trip. Explore the castle’s storied walls. Built by Crusaders, the Castle was occupied by the Ottomans and destroyed by the British. Aqaba Boat Trip with Snorkeling: $49 USD Looking for a perfect day trip to make the most of your time in this seaside town? Board a boat and enjoy a relaxing day on the waters of the Red Sea. Enjoy lunch aboard and join a snorkeling guide to spot marine life beneath the surface. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, sit back and enjoy the view of Aqaba.
      Dead Sea
      Site of Jesus’ Baptism: 18 JOD Visit the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River with a local guide. Round-trip transportation included.