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Adventure Tours   >   North Africa / Middle East Adventure Tours   >  Jordan Family Adventure

Jordan Family Adventure Adventure Tour

North Africa / Middle East

  • Jordan

The worst part of resort vacations? Trying to find a spot to lay out your blanket on a crowded beach. Solution: Visit Jordan instead! The beach never ends here (okay, technically it's the Arabian Desert, but still…), and there's way more to do here besides laying about and catching rays. Grab the kids and gape at the ancient rock-cut city of Petra one day, hike magnificent Wadi Rum the next, then snorkel the coral reefs of Aqaba and float in the Dead Sea a few days later. Good luck doing all that at an all-inclusive!


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Walk in Wadi Ibn Hammad Gorge. Entrance to Karak Castle. Petra entrance with one-day guided tour. Wadi Rum 4x4 jeep excursion with local lunch and dinner. Overnight in a desert tented camp. Dead Sea visit. Snorkelling in the Red Sea.


Tipping  

Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term as “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the low salary and wages of the Middle East region.

While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

To make things as easy as possible and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution from everybody at the start of your tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. A guideline for tipping is about $5-10 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G Adventures CEO). On Day 1 of your tour, your CEO will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip. You can pay in USD or the equivalent local currency (preferably local currency). The CEO will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency

If at any time you feel that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your CEO so a deduction of tips can take place.

At the end of your trip if you felt that your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $35-40 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.


Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 5 years for this trip.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Optional Activities  

Pushkar
- Camel Ride


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


What to Take  

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. 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. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, 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 Trip Details document 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. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Group Size Notes  

Max. 20, Avg. 12


Meals Included  

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner


Joining Instructions  

Upon arrival at Amman International Airport, please look for the G Adventures representative, who will be holding a G Adventures sign. Your name will not be on the G Adventures sign, so please ask the driver whom they are there to meet. If the G Adventures representative is not there at first, please wait up to 30 minutes, and then proceed to take a taxi, or call our local staff , who will assist you in getting to the joining hotel.


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Money Exchange  

The 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 at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals.

Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to the Local currency. Please note that 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 US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996, or with any 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


Itinerary Notes  

This trip is designed for parents and children to enjoy together. You will be travelling as part of a group of families with other children. The itinerary has been designed with the needs of the whole family in mind. We have given this trip a minimum age for this trip to allow you to be sure that you have the right trip for you and your family. Minimum age of 5 years for this trip. Please see the activities for any specific minimum age requirements.


Accommodation  

Hotels (6 nts), desert camp (1 nt)


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.


Group Leader  

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout


Highlights  

Arrive at the awe-inspiring sight of Petra, camp out under the stars in Wadi Rum, observe many coloured fish while snorkelling in the Red Sea, float in the salty Dead Sea


Important Notes  

RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 15th and June 14th, 2018. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.


Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. 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 travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. 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.


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops


Packing List  

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Transport  

Private van, 4x4, walking, boat


About our Transportation  

On this trip we will travel by air-conditioned private minivan for most of the journeys. En route to Wadi Rum and our desert camp we will travel in 4x4 vehicles.


About Accommodation  

Accommodation for family trips has been chosen to give the best location and facilities for your family. They may vary depending on the location and destination, but designed to give the most comfortable experience while travelling.

You and your family will generally be sharing rooms on a twin or triple share basis. These rooms will be either adjoining or located at close proximity to each other.

Families will be roomed together and not with other families everywhere we stay. If you have any special hotel requests at the time of booking, let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate them.

On this trip you can expect to stay in small local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.


Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Max Pax  

Max pax 20

Day 1 Amman

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Amman/Wadi Musá

Enjoy a gorge walk in Wadi Ibn Hammad and a visit to the crusader castle of Karak en route to Petra.

Set off from Amman in the morning, en route to Petra. Along the way, stop at Karak to enjoy a gorge walk through Wadi Ibn Hammad. The fertile land in the valley creates an incredible landscape of trees, waterfalls, and rock formations to walk through. The water can be quite deep in places, so be careful not to lose footing. Afterwards, explore the crusader castle of Karak.

Continue on to Wadi Musa, the township closest to Petra, and stay for the night.

Day 3 Wadi Musá/Petra

Full-day visit to Petra. Entrance and guided tour included.

Visit Jordan's most famous site.

Day 4 Petra/Wadi Rum

Morning to explore Petra. In the afternoon, transfer to Wadi Rum. Enjoy a local dinner and spend the night in a Bedouin desert camp.

Drive out to the desert to the magical Wadi Rum.

Although the way is lit by lanterns, it is a good idea to have a torch/flashlight on hand. There is a large central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter.

Spend the evening sitting under the stars around the fire, listening to stories from the Bedouin hosts. If really lucky, they may bring the drums out for some music.

Our camp at Wadi Rum is basic but comfortable. Sleep on beds in one long goathair tent, which is divided by blankets into twin-share “rooms” for privacy. A bottom sheet and blanket is provided, but most people prefer to bring along a travel sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner. Bathroom facilities are shared and unisex and located around 20m (66 ft) from the camp.

Day 5 Wadi Rum/Aqaba

Embark on a 4x4 excursion through the desert, optional camel ride. Transfer to Aqaba.

Take off into the desert using 4X4 vehicles for transportation. Riding over the dunes and open expanses of sand, see the sheer size of the desert as well as some of the major sites of the region. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom rock formation, made famous by T.E. Lawrence, looms out of the desert. Take a pause here - it is easy to imagine being transported back in time to join Lawrence as he crossed the desert. To get closer to this experience, there is the option of taking a camel ride across the desert.

Leave the desert behind, and transfer to the coastal town of Aqaba for the night.

Day 6 Aqaba

Enjoy a day trip snorkelling on the stunning coral reefs of Aqaba.

The Red Sea is world famous for its clear blue water. Take a boat trip out on the coral reef to see everything under the waves. The variety of brightly coloured fish and marine life make this an experience that will never be forgotten.

Day 7 Aqaba/Amman

Travel to the Dead Sea and the unique experience of floating in the salty waters. In the late afternoon, return to Amman.

Travel from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is actually a lake without any form of life whatsoever existing in its waters. The water is so dense that it is practically impossible to sink, being five to ten times as salty as regular sea water. Be based at a resort for the day, and have access to the beach.

While swimming, cover yourself with the sea's mud, which is reputed to have special healing powers, and don't forget to take a photo of yourself reading a book while floating! The salt water penetrates any cuts on your body and has an unusual smell, but there are showers to wash off after swimming. Afterwards, relax under an umbrella next to one of the freshwater swimming pools.

In the late afternoon, transfer back to Amman to spend the night.

Day 8 Amman

Departure day. Feel free to depart at any time.

Details

Duration: 8 Days

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Service Level: Upgraded

Travel Style: Family

Trip Type: Small Group



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