Women only tours, destination Jordan

Jordan

Jordan is an enchanting, magical, desert country, with a treasure trove of interesting things to see and do. A small Arab country, it is home to ancient Roman cities, stunning coloured deserts, the Dead Sea, and one of the 7 wonders of the world, Petra.

This wonderful little trip will give you a fascinating insight into the history, culture and landscapes of ancient and modern-day Jordan.

Date & Duration:	10th-19th May 2009 - 10 days
Cost:	£1,400 / NZ$3,600 / US$2,700 - What's included?
Arrival & Departure points:	Amman / Amman
Group size:	min 5, max 12
Accommodation:	Hotels, 1 night desert
Meals not included:	1 lunch, 1 dinner
Adventures:	overnight in the Wadi Rum desert

Jordan Highlights

• visiting the ancient Greco-Roman city of Jerash.
• covering yourself in mineral rich mud and then taking a float in the buoyant Dead Sea.
• exploring the souq (market) of Amman and buying wonderful handicrafts.
• being awe-struck at the sight of the lost city of Petra.
• taking a jeep safari into the beautiful Wadi Rum desert, and spending a night camped under an Arabian night sky.
• visiting ancient Biblical sites, Crusader castles, old Christian churches.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1, Amman

Welcome to Jordan! Today is arrival day when your fellow Venus Adventurers will be arriving from different places. You will be picked up from the airport and taken back to the hotel to freshen up. You have a free afternoon to relax or go out and take in your new surroundings. We all get together in the evening for a meal and trip briefing.

Meals - D

Day 2, Amman to Jerash

Amman, is the capital of Jordan and is a wonderful mix of old and new. Today we take a tour of this fascinating city, visiting the Roman Amphitheater, the Citadel, the Archaeological Museum and the newly built exclusive area of Abdoun, where we will spend time at the local souq (market). Later on we head north to the Greco-Roman city of Jerash. This amazingly well-preserved city gives us an insight into how the Romans used to live – even the marks from the chariot wheels can still be seen in the cobbled streets!

Meals - B, L, D

Day 3, Amman - Madaba – Mount Nebo – Dead Sea

We continue on our journey to Madaba, the city of mosaics. This ancient town also has a long history, and was mentioned in the Bible. We visit the Orthodox Christian Church of St George, and the mosaic maps of Jerusalem, Palestine, Jordan, Israel and Egypt. We continue on to Mt Nebo to visit the Tomb of Moses, which is the site where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Ruins of 4th and 6th century churches can still be seen, their floors covered with mosaics.

We continue on to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, and the saltiest dip you are every likely to experience. Cover yourself with mineral mud, let it work its wonders on your skin, and then take a float in the buoyant Dead Sea waters. Probably the last time your skin felt this soft was at birth!

Meals - B, L, D

Day 4, Dead Sea – Kerak - Petra

At noon we drive to Kerak for a look around this fine Crusader castle, then continue on the Kings Way to Petra, the 7th Wonder of the World!

This evening we have dinner at the Petra Kitchen Restaurant, where we gather to prepare the evening meal ourselves, working alongside local women under the supervision of a chef. Get an inside glimpse into the secrets of the famous regional cuisine of the Levant.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 5, Petra

After breakfast we take a full-day tour of this amazing rock city, carved into the beautiful coloured rock by the Nabateans. We take horses up the 700m gorge to the entrance, where you will catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Treasury. The day is spent wandering amongst the tombs, temples, water cisterns, Roman theater, facades and courtyards. You may wish to climb up to the Monastery as well, or you can leave this til tomorrow.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 6, Petra – one of the 7 Wonders of the World!

Petra is a place that you need time to enjoy, to take in, and to feel the atmosphere. Today you have a free day to go back and stroll around Petra at your leisure, maybe just sitting amongst the rocks taking it all in, maybe hiking up to a hilltop for a better view, or maybe taking a mule up to the Monastery, a highlight of Petra. This is your free day and tonight you may also dine where you like.

Meals - B

Day 7, Petra – Wadi Rum Desert

Today we head to the magical Wadi Rum desert. Wadi Rum is an awe-inspiring desert, with high jebels (rocky mountain outcrops), and rich orange and red coloured sand. We take a 2-hour jeep ride to explore Lawrence of Arabia Road and all the spectacular sights of the desert. Tonight we sleep under a cloak of stars in a desert camp, to feel and experience the romance and adventure of the Arabian desert!

Meals - B, L, D

Day 8, Wadi Rum - Amman

We spend a bit more time in the desert, relaxing as the nomadic Bedouins do in the heat, and going for a camel ride, before heading back to Amman for the night.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 9, Amman

Time for a little retail therapy! Today we pay a visit to the Jordan River Foundation and project, which is supervised by local women. Here you can buy beautiful, good quality handmade local crafts. To help you relax after your big shopping session, in the afternoon we take a traditional style Turkish bath - helps to get the last grains of sand out from between your toes!

Meals - B, L, D

Day 10, Amman

Today is departure day, and time to leave this small, and awe-inspiring country.

Meals - B

Join us on:
10th-19th May 2009, 10 days, Cost: £1,400 / NZ$3,600 / US$2,700 - What's included?

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